semen

noun

se·​men ˈsē-mən How to pronounce semen (audio)
: a viscid whitish fluid of the male reproductive tract consisting of spermatozoa suspended in secretions of accessory glands (as of the prostate and Cowper's glands)

Examples of semen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The tests were run on semen and hair samples found in the girl’s underwear. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2026 These changes can also impair semen quality. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026 Ebola is a highly contagious virus and can be contracted from bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen. — ABC News, 26 May 2026 Ebolaviruses are transmitted from person to person through bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen. — Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for semen

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, seed, semen; akin to Old High German sāmo seed, Latin serere to sow — more at sow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of semen was in the 14th century

Rhymes for semen

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Browse Nearby Words

sememe
semen
semen contra
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Cite this Entry

“Semen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

semen

noun
se·​men ˈsē-mən How to pronounce semen (audio)
: a sticky whitish fluid of the male reproductive tract that contains the sperm

Medical Definition

semen

noun
se·​men ˈsē-mən How to pronounce semen (audio)
: a viscid whitish fluid of the male reproductive tract consisting of spermatozoa suspended in secretions of accessory glands (as of the prostate and Cowper's glands)

More from Merriam-Webster on semen

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about semen

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