Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) has been linked with tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the role of MMP-2 expression in ovarian cancer remains controversial. By searching the PubMed, Embase, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the pathological and prognostic significance of MMP-2 in ovarian cancer. Studies were pooled, and the odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95 % confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Version 11.0 STATA software was used for statistical analysis. Twenty-seven relevant articles were included for this meta-analysis study. The expression of MMP-2 in cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in benign or normal ovarian tissue [cancer vs. benign, OR 10.09 (95 % CI 6.95-14.64); P < 0.001; cancer vs. normal, OR 30.48 (95 % CI 17.19-54.05); P < 0.001; benign vs. normal, OR 1.88 (95 % CI 1.08-3.29); P = 0.025]. The expression of MMP-2 in stage III-IV or lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than that in stage I-II or that without metastasis, respectively [OR 5.83 (95 % CI 4.32-7.85); P < 0.001; OR 7.20 (95 % CI 4.75-10.91); P < 0.001]. MMP-2 was associated with histological types and grade of ovarian cancer [serous vs. mucinous, OR 1.67 (95 % CI 1.17-2.39); P = 0.004; grade 3 vs. 1, 2, OR 3.23 (95 % CI 2.29-4.55); P < 0.001]. However, the age of patients was not associated with MMP-2 expression [OR 1.25 (95 % CI 0.61-2.58); P = 0.546]. In conclusion, MMP-2 is related to the malignant degree, FIGO stage, histological types and grade, and lymph node metastasis of ovarian cancer. It may play a significant role in clinical guidelines for the treatment and prognostic evaluation.