What does vulva mean?
The vulva is the collective term for the external genitalia of the female reproductive system. It includes the labia majora and minora, the clitoris, the vestibule, and the external openings of the urethra and vagina. A key distinction in anatomical and medical usage is that the vulva is outside the body, whereas the vagina is the internal canal leading toward the cervix and uterus. The word is standard in anatomy, gynecology, health education, and biological description, although people may use broader or less precise expressions in ordinary conversation. Vulva is also useful when discussing health concerns involving the external genitalia, including irritation, pain, infection, and skin conditions. Together with related adjectives such as vulvar and vulval, it provides a precise vocabulary for describing both structure and clinical concerns.
nounThe external genitalia of the female reproductive system, including the labia, clitoris, vestibule, and the external openings of the urethra and vagina. Anatomically, the vulva is distinct from the vagina, which is the internal canal.
- The external genitalia of the female reproductive system, collectively.
"The examination focused on the vulva and surrounding skin, without involving the internal reproductive organs."
"The patient reported persistent itching around the vulva, so the clinician examined the area for irritation or infection."
"An anatomy textbook distinguishes the vulva, which includes the labia and clitoris, from the internal vagina."
Vulvas is the ordinary English plural. Vulvae is a Latinized plural also encountered in medical and anatomical writing.
"The anatomical atlas compares the vulvas of several mammalian species."
The vulva is the outside of the female genitalia; the vagina is the passage within it—a distinction that anatomy makes much clearer than everyday usage does.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vulva come from?
English borrowed the word from Latin vulva, which was used for the womb or uterus and also for external genitalia in some contexts. The English medical and anatomical sense developed from the Latin word’s broader range of meanings. Vulva is related to volva, a botanical term for a seed pod or similar structure, and gave rise to English derivatives such as vulval and vulvar.
Related word forms
How vulva is actually used
Vulva is a standard anatomical and medical term and is more precise than general terms such as female genitals. It should not be used as a synonym for vagina, because it refers to external rather than internal anatomy. In clinical writing, derivatives such as vulvar and vulval are common.
Easily confused with vulva
The vulva refers to the external genitalia, while the vagina is the internal muscular canal connecting the vulva to the uterus and, during birth, to the cervix.