sperm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Medical, Scientific, Informal (with caution)
Quick answer
What does “sperm” mean?
A cell produced by a male, especially human, that can join with a female egg to create new life.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cell produced by a male, especially human, that can join with a female egg to create new life.
The male reproductive fluid containing such cells; can refer more broadly to semen. In biology, also used for analogous male gametes in animals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. Both use the term identically in medical/biological contexts.
Connotations
Equally direct/clinical in both varieties. The potential for vulgarity or offensiveness in casual conversation is similar.
Frequency
Equally frequent in equivalent contexts (e.g., biology textbooks, fertility clinics).
Grammar
How to Use “sperm” in a Sentence
N of sperm (a sample of sperm)Adj + sperm (donor sperm)V + sperm (to produce sperm)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sperm” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The sperm donor remained anonymous.
- Sperm quality can be affected by lifestyle.
American English
- They used a sperm donor for the procedure.
- The test analysed sperm motility.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like fertility services or biomedical research.
Academic
Common in biology, medicine, genetics, and reproductive health studies.
Everyday
Used with caution; considered a private, biological matter. More likely in discussions about fertility, pregnancy, or health.
Technical
Standard, precise term in medical and biological texts, laboratory reports, and clinical discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sperm”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sperm”
- Using 'sperms' as a plural for multiple cells is non-standard (prefer 'sperm' or 'sperm cells'). Confusing 'sperm' (cells/fluid) with 'semen' (fluid only).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a standard biological term but is direct. In casual social conversation, it is often considered too graphic or personal. 'Semen' is slightly more clinical for the fluid.
The word 'sperm' is used as both a singular noun (for one cell) and a mass noun (for the fluid or many cells). For clarity, you can say 'sperm cells' for multiples. 'Sperms' is non-standard.
'Sperm' refers specifically to the male reproductive cells. 'Semen' is the fluid that carries sperm. In informal speech, 'sperm' is sometimes used to mean semen.
Yes. The sperm whale was named for the spermaceti organ in its head, which early whalers mistakenly thought contained sperm.
A cell produced by a male, especially human, that can join with a female egg to create new life.
Sperm is usually technical, medical, scientific, informal (with caution) in register.
Sperm: in British English it is pronounced /spɜːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /spɜːrm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly with 'sperm'; related idiom: 'the sperm donor' can be used figuratively for an absent biological father]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SPERM as 'Special Prototype for Embryo's Reproductive Material'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEED (sperm as the 'seed' planted to grow new life).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sperm' LEAST likely to be used?