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

Research has linked higher stress levels with worse semen parameters, including lower sperm count and poorer sperm movement and shape. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026

One of the hottest ingredients in beauty right now is PDRN, which is derived from sperm cells of salmon (yes, sperm) and used in skincare products to boost collagen. —Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026

Ashley is hopeful that their embryo will fertilize, but Austin, trying to buy time, sabotages his sperm sample with hand sanitizer. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026

Scientists have found that sperm in space can’t find their direction during their pursuit to fertilize an egg. —Devika Rao, TheWeek, 9 Apr. 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