labia minora

plural noun

la·​bia mi·​no·​ra ˈlā-bē-ə-mə-ˈnȯr-ə How to pronounce labia minora (audio)
: the inner highly vascular largely connective-tissue folds of the vulva bounding the vestibule

Examples of labia minora 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.
The dream allowed Freud to draw out the double meaning of nymphae, signifying both mythological sprites and also, evidently, the labia minora. — Anna Shechtman, Harper's Magazine, 2 Mar. 2024 The vulva refers to the external genitalia, including the labia majora and labia minora, which are the inner and outer lips of the vulva, Dr. Bone explains. — Women's Health, 26 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, smaller lips

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of labia minora was in 1838

Browse Nearby Words

labia majora
labia minora
Labiatae
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Cite this Entry

“Labia minora.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/labia%20minora. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

labia minora

noun plural
labia mi·​no·​ra -mə-ˈnōr-ə, -ˈnȯr- How to pronounce labia minora (audio)
: the inner highly vascular largely connective-tissue folds of the vulva bounding the vestibule

called also nymphae

More from Merriam-Webster on labia minora

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about labia minora

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