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

Celebs like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston have reportedly gotten the viral salmon sperm facial, while K-beauty brands are cranking out salmon sperm formulas that have TikTokers buzzing. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 8 Feb. 2025

The team then analyzed the development of the kangaroos’ eggs and sperm in the lab before producing the embryos through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025

Basically, as soon as sperm meets egg and becomes an embryo, the resulting fetus is a child, with the same protections. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2025

However, Salas-Lozano’s sperm linked him to the crime, prosecutors said. —Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 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

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