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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Salmon sperm contains a substance called polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which experts say may offer skin-supporting benefits. Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 12 Dec. 2024 In Israel, the military is now offering to preserve the sperm of soldiers killed in war. Raja Abdulrahim, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024 And that works by stopping or delaying ovulation, that's the release of an egg, so there's no egg for the sperm to fertilize. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 22 Oct. 2024 This fusion results in the atrophy of the male’s non-reproductive organs, ultimately transforming it into a permanent appendage that provides sperm on demand for fertilizing the female’s eggs. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sperm 

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 4 Jan. 2025.

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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