spermicide

1 of 2

noun

sper·​mi·​cide ˈspər-mə-ˌsīd How to pronounce spermicide (audio)
: a preparation or substance (such as nonoxynol-9) used to kill sperm
spermicidal
ˌspər-mə-ˈsī-dəl How to pronounce spermicide (audio)
adjective

spermatocidal

2 of 2

adjective

sper·​mato·​ci·​dal
(ˌ)spər¦matə¦sīdᵊl, 
¦spərmət-
variants or spermicidal
¦spərmə¦sīdᵊl How to pronounce spermatocidal (audio)
: capable of killing or used to kill spermatozoa

Examples of spermicide 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.
Noun
Also, spermicide can get messy, and the diaphragm needs to be cleaned and stored correctly. — Wendy Wisner, Health, 27 July 2024 Plus, experts encourage using spermicide with a diaphragm to raise this contraception’s efficacy, which can cause the aforementioned irritation issues. — Korin Miller, SELF, 17 Mar. 2025 This might include external condoms, internal condoms, backup contraception, and spermicide. — Elizabeth Boskey, Verywell Health, 15 Mar. 2023 The Biden administration’s proposal would cover all over-the-counter contraception products, including condoms, spermicide, and emergency contraception. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for spermicide

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

spermat-, sperm- + -cidal

First Known Use

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spermicide was in 1929

Rhymes for spermicide

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Browse Nearby Words

-spermic
spermicide
spermiducal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

spermicide

noun
sper·​mi·​cide ˈspər-mə-ˌsid How to pronounce spermicide (audio)
: a preparation or substance (as in a contraceptive) used to kill sperm

Medical Definition

spermicide

noun
sper·​mi·​cide ˈspər-mə-ˌsīd How to pronounce spermicide (audio)
: a preparation or substance (as nonoxynol-9) used to kill sperm

called also spermatocide

More from Merriam-Webster on spermicide

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spermicide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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