What does sperm mean?
Sperm denotes the male reproductive cells produced in the testes and carried in semen. Each sperm cell has a head containing genetic material and a tail-like flagellum that helps propel it through reproductive fluids. The word can also refer, especially in medical and biological writing, to the seminal fluid containing these cells, although semen is normally the clearer term for the fluid itself. In standard usage, the plural of sperm is sperm: scientists speak of “human sperm” or a “sperm count” when referring to cells collectively, and “sperms” is uncommon. The word derives through Latin from Greek sperma, meaning “seed” or “sperm,” reflecting the older idea that male reproductive material contained the beginning of new life. Today sperm is chiefly a scientific term associated with fertility, assisted reproduction, and reproductive health, and is much more precise than the traditionally euphemistic phrase “swimming soldiers.”
A male reproductive cell produced in the testes and capable of fertilizing an egg.
"Only one sperm needs to reach and fertilize the egg."
The plural is sperm. The singular can refer to an individual cell, while the plural commonly denotes cells collectively.
Semen, especially in biological or medical contexts.
"The sample was tested for sperm and signs of infection."
This sense is established but less common in general usage; semen is usually the more explicit term for the fluid.
Sperm is normally both singular and plural. When referring to cells collectively, use sperm; the plural sperms is uncommon.
"The laboratory reported that the sample contained very few sperm."
From the Greek sperma, meaning “seed,” sperm began with the language of agriculture before becoming a scientific term for life at its most microscopic scale.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sperm come from?
The word comes through Late Latin from Greek sperma, meaning “seed,” “semen,” or “generative principle.” The Greek term reflected an agricultural metaphor in which reproductive material was understood as seed. English initially used the word in discussions of semen and generation, while the modern sense for individual male reproductive cells developed as biological science distinguished the cells from the fluid that contains them.
Related word forms
How sperm is actually used
When referring to individual cells, the usual plural is sperm, not spermS. In medical and reproductive contexts, sperm may denote either the cells collectively or, less commonly, semen. The term is normally used in biological, medical, or educational contexts and is uncommon in formal public discourse.