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
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 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 24 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

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