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

Studies have evaluated whether this agent could also improve cervical mucus by improving sperm survival and fertility. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 25 Oct. 2024

Additionally, fish oil helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, two factors that can negatively affect sperm health and quality.3 3. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024

The new law broadens the definition of infertility so that single people who choose to parent alone or freeze their eggs or sperm for future treatment can get services. —Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2024

Even deep-blue New York City’s health-insurance plan, which covers IVF for all employees, doesn’t cover costs associated with egg or sperm donation or with surrogacy, which LGBTQ couples or single people might require to start a family. —Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 26 Sep. 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