vaginal

adjective

vag·​i·​nal ˈva-jə-nᵊl How to pronounce vaginal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or affecting the genital vagina
2
: of or relating to a theca
vaginally
ˈva-jə-nᵊl-ē How to pronounce vaginal (audio)
adverb

Examples of vaginal 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.
Uncertainty notwithstanding, the longevity world has glommed onto the notion that the vaginal microbiome is some kind of exotic tealeaf that can be deciphered—and perfected by purchasing the right supplements. — Sarah Digregorio, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026 Later perimenopause can stretch cycles as much as two months apart, with hot flashes reported by about 80% of women, plus depression, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and vulvar burning or itching. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 Later perimenopause can stretch cycles up to two months apart, with hot flashes affecting roughly 80% of women and new symptoms emerging, including depression, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and vulvar irritation. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026 The agency also started the process to make vaginal estrogen available over the counter, part of a broader push to move more safe drugs off the prescription pad. — Avik Roy, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vaginal

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin vaginalis, from vagina "sheath, vagina" + Latin -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of vaginal was in 1653

Rhymes for vaginal

See All Rhymes for vaginal

Browse Nearby Words

vagina
vaginal
vaginant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vaginal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vaginal. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

vaginal

1 of 2 adjective
va·​gi·​nal
ˈvaj-ən-ᵊl, sometimes və-ˈjī-nᵊl
1
: of, relating to, or resembling a vagina : thecal
a vaginal synovial membrane surrounding a tendon
2
a
: of, relating to, or affecting the genital vagina
vaginal discharge
vaginal infection
b
: occurring through the birth canal
a vaginal delivery
a vaginal birth
vaginally
-ē How to pronounce vaginal (audio)
adverb

vaginal

2 of 2 noun
: a vaginal anatomical part (as a muscle)

More from Merriam-Webster on vaginal

Nglish: Translation of vaginal for Spanish Speakers

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