spermicide
noun
sper·mi·cide
ˈspər-mə-ˌsīd 
: a preparation or substance (such as nonoxynol-9) used to kill sperm
Examples of spermicide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Plus, experts encourage using spermicide with a diaphragm to raise this contraception’s efficacy, which can cause the aforementioned irritation issues.
—
Korin Miller, SELF, 17 Mar. 2025
The Biden administration’s proposal would cover all over-the-counter contraception products, including condoms, spermicide, and emergency contraception.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2024
It's often used in tandem with spermicide—a topical contraceptive that kills sperm.1
Diaphragms appeal to many people for their convenience and lack of hormones.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 27 July 2024
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, spermicide is only 28% effective when used alone.
—Emily Shiffer, Parents, 8 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for spermicide
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Korin Miller, SELF, 17 Mar. 2025
The Biden administration’s proposal would cover all over-the-counter contraception products, including condoms, spermicide, and emergency contraception.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2024
It's often used in tandem with spermicide—a topical contraceptive that kills sperm.1
Diaphragms appeal to many people for their convenience and lack of hormones.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 27 July 2024
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, spermicide is only 28% effective when used alone.
—Emily Shiffer, Parents, 8 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for spermicide
Cite this Entry
“Spermicide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spermicide. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spermicide
noun
sper·mi·cide
ˈspər-mə-ˌsid
: a preparation or substance (as in a contraceptive) used to kill sperm
Medical Definition
spermicide
noun
sper·mi·cide
ˈspər-mə-ˌsīd
: a preparation or substance (as nonoxynol-9) used to kill sperm
called also spermatocide
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share