vagina

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vagina" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in medical, educational, or anatomical contexts when discussing human anatomy or health-related topics. Example: "The vagina is an important part of the female reproductive system and plays a key role in childbirth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tampon is not a dirty word, and neither is vagina".

The New York Times

"I decided I would stand on my head and crack an egg on my vagina," she says with disarming matter-of-factness.

The Guardian - Music

I went to the appointment, which was uncomfortable, as he inserted a camera up my vagina.

The Guardian

But best of all was when she bellowed out: "Like a supermodel's vagina, let's give a warm welcome to Leonardo DiCaprio!" Tina, it's good to have you back.

The Guardian - Film

The chickens were apparently a reference to a 2010 stunt carried out by Voina, a radical art collective to which some Pussy Riot members previously belonged, in which a participant stole a whole raw chicken from a supermarket and inserted it into her vagina.

The Guardian - Music

The Robin Danielson Feminine Hygiene Product Safety Act is named after a woman who died of toxic shock syndrome (yes, that still exists), and wants independent testing of all sanitary products (or anything that goes near or in the vagina, though that's not in the text) done by the National Institutes of Health.

The Guardian - Opinion

Clandestine abortions cost anywhere between £50 for a packet of misopostrol pills (tablets that can be inserted into the vagina to induce an abortion), and £1,200 for an appointment in a private clinic.

The Guardian

Many women are forced to resort to cheap and unsafe means of abortion such as self-inflicted torture, self-poisoning and inserting sharp objects, like knitting needles, into the vagina.

The Guardian

Some female genital mutilation involves sewing up the vagina to leave a small hole and childbirth causes considerable bleeding that requires rapid repair.

The Guardian

The range of flavours has expanded to more than 8,000 and now includes roast beef, unicorn milk and vagina mist.

The Guardian

Jaroben survives the ordeal, but is left with a fistula, a small hole between her bladder and vagina.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the term "vagina" in medical, educational, or anatomical contexts when precise language is needed. In less formal settings, consider using euphemisms if appropriate for your audience.

Common error

While "vagina" is the correct anatomical term, avoid using it in casual or humorous contexts where it might be considered offensive or inappropriate. Consider using a less clinical term like "private parts" or a relevant euphemism instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "vagina" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the canal that leads from the vulva to the cervix in female mammals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in medical and anatomical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "vagina" is a grammatically correct noun used to refer to a specific part of the female anatomy. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. While frequently found in news and media, its formality level is neutral, making it most appropriate for medical, educational, and anatomical contexts. When writing for a general audience or in less formal settings, consider using alternative terms like "female genitalia" or "private parts". The word, while correct, can be considered inappropriate in certain social contexts, making it important to choose your language carefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

female genitalia

A more formal and clinical term for the external and internal reproductive organs of a female.

vulva

Specifically refers to the external female genitalia, encompassing the labia, clitoris and vaginal opening.

birth canal

Focuses on the function of the vagina during childbirth.

genital region

A broader term that encompasses all the organs in the pelvic area relating to reproduction.

female reproductive organ

A more general term referring to the entire system, including the vagina.

sex organs

General term referring to organs involved in sexual reproduction.

female anatomy

General way to refer to the biological structure of a female.

private parts

An informal and euphemistic term.

down there

A very informal and often humorous euphemism.

yoni

A term with Sanskrit origins, often used in spiritual or artistic contexts.

FAQs

What is the correct anatomical term for the female birth canal?

The correct anatomical term for the female birth canal is "vagina". It's the passage leading from the vulva to the cervix.

When is it appropriate to use the term "vagina"?

It is appropriate to use the term "vagina" in medical, educational, or anatomical contexts. In less formal settings, consider alternative terms like "private parts" if the audience might find the term offensive.

What are some alternatives to the word "vagina"?

Alternatives include "female genitalia", "birth canal", or, more informally, "private parts". The best choice depends on the context and audience.

Is "vagina" a vulgar word?

While "vagina" is a clinical term, some people may find it vulgar depending on the context. It is generally considered more appropriate in medical and educational settings than in casual conversation. Using terms like "vulva", "female genitalia" or "private parts" might be more appropriate in some situations.