What does oviposit mean?
Oviposit is a formal biological verb meaning to lay or deposit eggs. It describes the reproductive act performed by female animals, including insects, fish, reptiles, birds, and many other organisms, and is especially common in entomology and parasitology. The verb can be used transitively, as in “the beetle oviposits eggs,” or intransitively when the act itself is sufficient. In everyday English, “lay eggs” is much more common, so oviposit generally gives a passage a technical or scientific tone. The word is related to the broader biological term “oviparous,” meaning egg-laying, and to “oviposition,” the process of depositing eggs. Although the expression can sound clinical, it precisely identifies an important stage in the life cycle of many species.
verbTo lay or deposit eggs, especially in the reproductive process of an insect, fish, reptile, bird, or other animal. The term is chiefly used in biology and zoology.
- To lay or deposit eggs.
- To release eggs from the body, especially in an animal reproductive cycle.
"The queen termite may oviposit thousands of eggs in a single day."
"Adult females oviposit in the soil beneath the host plant."
"The parasite oviposit its eggs inside the caterpillar."
Some animals are called oviparous because they oviposit: the word connects the visible laying of eggs with the biological classification of egg-producing species.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does oviposit come from?
The verb was formed in the 17th century from Latin ovum, “egg,” and a form of Latin ponere, “to place or put.” Its development follows the same Latin combination found in the noun oviposition, meaning the placing or deposition of eggs. The English word belongs to a family derived from the Latin word for egg that also includes ovum, ovary, ovule, and ovate.
Related word forms
How oviposit is actually used
This is a technical term used primarily in biology, entomology, parasitology, and zoology. In general writing, “lay eggs” is more natural and accessible. It may be used transitively with an object (“to oviposit eggs”) or intransitively, especially when the eggs or laying site is understood.