English Reference

Word

condom

Phoneticscon·dom, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈkɑndəm/

UK/kˈɒndəm/

Countable noun

Definition

n. a thin cover, usually made of rubber, worn during sex to stop a person from getting pregnant or catching a disease.

n. a flexible sheath, typically made of latex or polyurethane, used as a barrier method of contraception and to reduce the risk of infection during sexual intercourse.

Examples

“Using a condom is an effective way to practice safe sex.”

“Health clinics often distribute free condoms to encourage safe sexual practices and reduce the transmission of HIV.”

“Public health initiatives emphasize that consistent and correct condom use remains one of the most reliable methods for preventing both unintended pregnancies and the spread of infectious diseases.”

Examples

simple

“Using a condom is an effective way to practice safe sex.”

contextual

“Health clinics often distribute free condoms to encourage safe sexual practices and reduce the transmission of HIV.”

complex

“Public health initiatives emphasize that consistent and correct condom use remains one of the most reliable methods for preventing both unintended pregnancies and the spread of infectious diseases.”

Usage

Countable noun.

Etymology

Unknown. Many speculations exist. Possibly derived from Italian guantone, from guanto (“a glove”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Synonyms

prophylacticprotectionsheath

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/condom
English Reference