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

Thanks to the rise of the salmon sperm facials, PDRN is the latest buzzword in the world of aesthetics, having earned endorsements from celebs and beauty editors alike. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2025

The latest miracle goo slathered on celebrity faces is salmon sperm — or, as it’s more politely known in the beauty biz, polynucleotides. —Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025

Scientists are exploring ways to mimic the origins of human life without two fundamental components: sperm and egg. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 30 July 2025

Still, for younger patients seeking a quick glow before a big night out? Fish sperm, apparently, is the catch of the day. —Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 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

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