follicle
noun
fol·li·cle
ˈfä-li-kəl 
1
a
: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression
b
: a small lymph node
c
: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells
especially
: graafian follicle
2
: a dry dehiscent one-celled many-seeded fruit (as of the milkweed) that has a single carpel and opens along one suture
Examples of follicle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At the same time, other steps such as extraction and implantation of follicles are carried out by experienced medical teams.
—
Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Small follicle cysts may appear on ultrasound — but they are not required for diagnosis.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
Ultrasound thresholds for identifying polycystic ovaries have moved from 10 follicles, to 12, to 19 or more, depending on the era and the technology used.
—Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Because puberty can cause irregular periods and ovaries can naturally have many small follicles during adolescence, doctors generally look for both irregular or infrequent ovulation and signs of higher androgen levels before making the diagnosis.
—Michelle Seguin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for follicle
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.
Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Small follicle cysts may appear on ultrasound — but they are not required for diagnosis.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
Ultrasound thresholds for identifying polycystic ovaries have moved from 10 follicles, to 12, to 19 or more, depending on the era and the technology used.
—Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Because puberty can cause irregular periods and ovaries can naturally have many small follicles during adolescence, doctors generally look for both irregular or infrequent ovulation and signs of higher androgen levels before making the diagnosis.
—Michelle Seguin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for follicle
Cite this Entry
“Follicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follicle. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
follicle
noun
fol·li·cle
ˈfäl-i-kəl
1
a
: a small cavity or a deep bodily depression with a narrow mouth (as one from which a hair grows)
2
: a dry one-celled fruit (as in the milkweed) that splits open by one seam when ripe
Medical Definition
follicle
noun
fol·li·cle
ˈfäl-i-kəl
1
: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression
especially
: a small simple or slightly branched gland : crypt
2
: a small lymph node
3
: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells : ovarian follicle
especially
: graafian follicle
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
