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

Surrogacy, sperm donation, adoption, and IVF can all require careful planning and the involvement of reproductive and family law counsel. — Morgan Mouchette, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

The regenerative compound is taken from DNA fragments (typically from salmon sperm) and is super popular in skin care and aesthetics for its cell-renewal, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-boosting properties. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 June 2026

From there, sperm travel up through the vas deferens, a long tube that runs out of the scrotum into the lower pelvis to enter the ejaculatory ducts. — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

In 2022, a Humans of New York post revealed that Rinaldi sells his sperm directly to prospective parents who are seeking to avoid the onerous costs of sperm banks and fertility treatments. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

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