Condom Meaning
/ˈkɒn.dɒm/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA flexible sleeve made of latex or other impermeable material such as polyurethane or sheepskin, worn over an erect penis during sexual intercourse as a contraceptive or as a way to prevent the spread of STIs during PIV, anal, or oral.
nounAny of various forms of flexible sleeve or barrier, variously shaped for either penetrative or receptive body parts, made of latex or other impermeable material such as polyurethane or sheepskin, worn (by anyone with) during sexual activity to prevent pregnancy or the spread of STIs.
Sentence Examples
Do you have a condom?
Giggling with embarrassment, she held out the condom.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Using a ____ can help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The use of a ____ is recommended for protecting sexual health.
Word Origin & History
Unknown. Many speculations exist. Possibly derived from Italian guantone, from guanto (“a glove”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"However, substantial proportions of participants preferred the nonlatex condom or reported that they would recommend its use to others."
— 2009, Albert Altchek, Liane Deligdisch, Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Gynecology:
"We're in the small percentage of cases in which condoms are ineffective. Looks as if you have some sort of supersperm. You must be very proud."
— 2015, Beth Burgoon, About That Night, Don Mills, O.N.: Harlequin Superromance, →ISBN, page 123:
"I remember that one time I went to the kiosk next door to buy condoms, it was raining, she appeared."
— 2021, Pedro Mairal, The Woman from Uruguay, Bloomsbury Publishing, →ISBN, page 143:
"One released image shows Trump with six women with leis whose faces were redacted by committee members, while another depicts what appears to be a bowl of novelty condoms with a caricature of Trump’s face with the text, “I’m HUUUUGE!” The condoms – shown in a bowl with a “Trump condom $4.50” sign – were produced by a novelty shop in New York City named Fishs Eddy."
— 2025 December 12, Kaitlan Collins, Annie Grayer, “New photos released from Epstein’s estate showing Trump, Bannon, Bill Clinton and other high-profile people”, in CNN:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Using a ____ can help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The use of a ____ is recommended for protecting sexual health.