ovarian

adjective

ovar·​i·​an ō-ˈver-ē-ən How to pronounce ovarian (audio)
variants or less commonly ovarial
ō-ˈver-ē-əl How to pronounce ovarian (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving an ovary
ovarian cancer

Examples of ovarian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But O’Connor’s documentary compellingly reanimates Hammer, whose films always demonstrated a keen awareness of mortality—especially in her later years, when her struggle with ovarian cancer began to inform her art. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Cole had recently completed treatment for ovarian cancer and had lost all but a few strands of hair. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 The decline in ovarian reserve that occurs with advancing age is no joke. — Dr. Jaime Knopman, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 Kushner is on the board of Sharsheret, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Jewish breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer patients — and their families — in the United States and Israel. — Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ovarian

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ovarian was in 1759

Rhymes for ovarian

See All Rhymes for ovarian

Browse Nearby Words

ovari-
ovarian
ovariectomy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ovarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovarian. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ovarian

adjective
ovar·​i·​an ō-ˈvar-ē-ən How to pronounce ovarian (audio)
-ˈver-
: of, relating to, or produced by an ovary
ovarian hormones

Medical Definition

ovarian

adjective
ovar·​i·​an ō-ˈvar-ē-ən, -ˈver- How to pronounce ovarian (audio)
variants also ovarial
-ē-əl How to pronounce ovarian (audio)
: of, relating to, affecting, or involving an ovary
ovarian functions
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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