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

Without the release of a mature egg, fertilization with sperm cannot occur, and pregnancy cannot result. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024

In 2021, without Grimes’ knowledge, Musk donated sperm to Zilis, who became pregnant with twins through IVF, three people familiar with the couple told the Times. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024

Its main job is to prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from fertilizing eggs.1 There are two types of IUDs: copper-containing IUDs and hormonal IUDs. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 28 Oct. 2024

The progestin hormone thickens cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching the egg. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 28 Oct. 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