# Ova

/ˈoʊvə/ (US) · /ˈəʊvɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ova
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the female reproductive cells that can grow into a baby after being joined with a male cell. In science, this is the plural form of 'ovum'.

For teachers: the plural form of 'ovum'; mature female reproductive cells or gametes that can develop into an embryo after fertilisation.

## Examples

- The doctor checked the health of the patient's ova.
- In many species, the ova are significantly larger than the sperm cells because they contain nutrients for the developing embryo.
- Advanced fertility treatments often involve the cryopreservation of ova to allow patients the possibility of conceiving at a later stage in their lives.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The ova is healthy." but "The ova are healthy." — Ova is the plural form of ovum and requires a plural verb.

## Usage notes

- The plural form of 'ovum'; takes plural verb agreement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.