condom

noun

con·​dom ˈkän-dəm 

ˈkən-,

 dialectal  -drəm

1

: a sheath commonly of rubber worn over the penis (as to prevent conception or venereal infection during coitus)

2

: a device that is designed to be inserted into the vagina before coitus and that resembles in form and function the condom used by males

Examples of condom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While the Philippines recently reduced the age of testing for HIV without parental consent from 18 to 15, there's still a law prohibiting children under 18 from purchasing or even being given free contraceptives including condoms, which can prevent transmission of HIV. —Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 19 Dec. 2024

For years, advocates of reproductive freedom have been waiting for the arrival of male birth control (besides condoms and vasectomies). —Nina Ajemian, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2024

The cover art for Missionary is a cheeky, black condom wrapper. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024

Both men and women can get HPV, and the virus can be found and passed through contact in areas that are protected by a latex condom or areas that are not covered — but condom use has been linked to a lower risk of developing cervical cancer. —Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

condom

noun

con·​dom ˈkən-dəm 

ˈkän-

: a usually rubber covering worn over the penis during sexual intercourse especially to prevent pregnancy or venereal disease

Medical Definition

condom

noun

con·​dom

ˈkän-dəm also ˈkən-

1

: a sheath commonly of rubber worn over the penis (as to prevent conception or venereal infection during coitus)

called also sheath

2

: a device that is designed to be inserted into the vagina before coitus and that resembles in form and function the condom used by males