sperm

1 of 2

noun

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
Studies have evaluated whether this agent could also improve cervical mucus by improving sperm survival and fertility. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 25 Oct. 2024 Additionally, fish oil helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, two factors that can negatively affect sperm health and quality.3 3. Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024 The new law broadens the definition of infertility so that single people who choose to parent alone or freeze their eggs or sperm for future treatment can get services. Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2024 Even deep-blue New York City’s health-insurance plan, which covers IVF for all employees, doesn’t cover costs associated with egg or sperm donation or with surrogacy, which LGBTQ couples or single people might require to start a family. Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sperm 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sperm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sperm was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sperm

Cite this Entry

“Sperm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sperm. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sperm

noun
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
plural sperm or sperms
1
: the male impregnating fluid : semen
2
: a male gamete
especially : spermatozoon

More from Merriam-Webster on sperm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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