sperm

1 of 2

noun

ˈspərm 

plural sperm or sperms

1

a

: semen

b

: a male gamete

especially : spermatozoon sense 1

2

: a product of the sperm whale

sperm-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or spermo- or sperma- or spermi-

: seed : germ : sperm

spermatheca

spermicide

Examples of sperm in a Sentence

Noun

The sperm fertilizes the egg.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Copper IUDs prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 11 Dec. 2024

Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm ($22.99) With celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston touting the benefits of salmon sperm facials, sodium DNA extracted from the fish has become one of this the most coveted ingredients this year. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

The hormones suppress ovulation and thicken the mucus lining of the cervix, impeding sperm from reaching any egg that is released. —Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 3 Dec. 2024

They can be frozen, or combined with sperm to create embryos first and then frozen, so the eggs can be used in the future to try for a pregnancy. —Katie Camero, SELF, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French esperme, sperme, from Late Latin spermat-, sperma, from Greek, literally, seed, from speirein to sow; probably akin to Armenian p'aratem I dispense

Combining form

Greek sperm-, spermo-, from sperma

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sperm

• sperm bank
• sperm cell
• sperm count
• sperm donor
• sperm nucleus
• sperm oil
• sperm whale

Kids Definition

sperm

noun

ˈspərm 

plural sperm or sperms

1

: semen

2

: a mobile male gamete that has a long and thin or rounded head and a long thin tail that acts as a flagellum

called also spermatozoon, sperm cell

Medical Definition

sperm

noun

ˈspərm 

plural sperm or sperms

1

: the male impregnating fluid : semen

2

: a male gamete

especially : spermatozoon