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

Scientists are using advanced IVF techniques (first developed to help human couples facing fertility issues), a surrogate rhino mom, and Sudan’s frozen sperm in an effort to bring white rhinos back from the precipice of extinction. —Douglas McCauley, Time, 27 Apr. 2025

Now, Korean skincare is known for 10-step routines and unusual, yet viral products, like COSRX snail mucin and salmon sperm injections. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025

The company uses machine learning to identify the most viable eggs and sperm for a patient, and since opening its first clinic in 2024, the startup has helped 350 women on their IVF journeys—while raising some $8 million in funding at a $22 million valuation. —Chris Dobstaff, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

According to the Mayo Clinic, IVF is the most effective type of fertility treatment involving embryos and sperm. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for sperm

• berm
• ferm
• firm
• germ
• herm
• squirm
• term
• therm
• worm
• wurm
• affirm
• bookworm

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