labium

noun

la·​bi·​um ˈlā-bē-əm How to pronounce labium (audio)
plural labia ˈlā-bē-ə How to pronounce labium (audio)
1
: any of the folds at the margin of the vulva compare labia majora, labia minora
2
: the lower lip of a labiate corolla
3
a
: a lower mouthpart of an insect that is formed by the second pair of maxillae united in the middle line
b
: a liplike part of various invertebrates

Examples of labium 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.
These lie alongside each other to form the fascicle, or syntrophium, encased in the thickened outside cover, the labium. — Popular Science, 20 Oct. 2020 The labium pushes up like a sleeve when the female mosquito plunges her stylets in (male mosquitoes don't bite—only the females do). — Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 9 June 2016

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, lip — more at lip

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of labium was in 1634

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Cite this Entry

“Labium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/labium. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

labium

noun
la·​bi·​um ˈlā-bē-əm How to pronounce labium (audio)
plural labia -bē-ə How to pronounce labium (audio)
1
: any of the folds at the margin of the vulva
2
: the lower mouthpart of an insect

Medical Definition

labium

noun
la·​bi·​um ˈlā-bē-əm How to pronounce labium (audio)
plural labia -ə How to pronounce labium (audio)
1
: any of the folds at the margin of the vulva compare labia majora, labia minora
2
: a lower mouthpart of an insect that is formed by the second pair of maxillae united in the midline

More from Merriam-Webster on labium

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about labium

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