Definition and Meaning
Ovaries (plural noun) are a pair of small, oval-shaped organs located in the lower abdomen on either side of the uterus. They are part of the female reproductive system and are responsible for producing eggs (ova) and releasing sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Each ovary typically takes turns releasing an egg every month in a process called ovulation.
Pronunciation
/ˈəʊ.vər.iz/ (British)
/ˈoʊ.və.riz/ (American)
Grammatical Formation
- Plural noun: ovaries
- No singular form with this word—use ovary when referring to one.
- Common verbs: have, remove, examine, stimulate, affect
Word Comparisons
- Ovaries vs. Testicles: Both are gonads—ovaries produce eggs; testicles produce sperm.
- Ovaries vs. Uterus: Ovaries release eggs; the uterus is where a fertilized egg may develop into a fetus.
- Ovaries vs. Fallopian tubes: Ovaries produce and release eggs; fallopian tubes transport the egg to the uterus.
Prepositional Use and Nuance
- In the ovaries: “The eggs mature in the ovaries.”
- From the ovaries: “Hormones are secreted from the ovaries.”
- Of the ovaries: “A scan showed swelling of the ovaries.”
Real-life Examples
- A woman’s ovaries typically release one egg per menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal birth control can influence how the ovaries function.
- Removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) affects hormone levels and fertility.
Simple Explanation
Ovaries are two small organs inside the lower belly of people with female reproductive systems. They make tiny eggs and hormones that help with periods, pregnancy, and puberty. Ovaries are very important for making babies and keeping the body balanced.
Common Collocations
- swollen ovaries
- ovarian pain
- cysts on the ovaries
- stimulate the ovaries
- ovaries and hormones
- ovaries during ovulation
- ovaries removed
- healthy ovaries
Idiomatic Usage
While ovaries aren’t commonly used in idioms, a few slang or humorous phrases appear in speech and online:
- “That made my ovaries explode” – informal and exaggerated, usually said by women in response to seeing something extremely cute (like a baby or animal).
- “She’s got ovaries of steel” – rare expression suggesting bravery (a female version of “balls of steel”).
⚠️ These idioms are informal and often used playfully—not medically accurate.
Sample Sentences
- The doctor said her ovaries are functioning normally.
- During puberty, the ovaries begin to release hormones that trigger body changes.
- Cysts on the ovaries can cause pain or changes in menstruation.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, ovaries are connected to sexuality in terms of biological sex, reproductive health, and hormone production. They produce hormones like estrogen that influence physical development, sexual function, and libido. Although they are not directly involved in sexual activity, they are essential to the reproductive system and affect how the body experiences puberty, menstruation, and fertility.
Synonyms
female gonads, reproductive glands, egg-producing organs (descriptive phrases)
Antonyms
testicles (biological counterpart), non-reproductive organs
Related Terms
ovary, uterus, fallopian tubes, estrogen, progesterone, menstrual cycle, ovulation, ovarian cyst, fertility, reproductive system, oophorectomy
Sexopedia.co is an educational glossary of sexual and gender‑related terms—helping you improve your English while deepening your understanding of identity, language, and self‑expression.