English Reference
Noun

testicle

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈtɛsˌtɪkəɫ/ UK /tˈɛstɪkəl/ tes·ti·cle UK spelling testicle's, testicle's

n.one of the two oval-shaped organs in the male body that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone.

n.one of the two oval-shaped male reproductive glands that produce sperm and secrete testosterone.


SIMPLE

The doctor examined the testicle for any signs of swelling.

CONTEXTUAL

During the physical examination, the physician checked the testicle for size, shape, and any unusual lumps.

COMPLEX

The development of the testicle is a complex process involving the differentiation of germ cells and the establishment of a functional blood-testis barrier.

Doctors have reported people taking testosterone presenting with gynaecomastia, (male breast enlargement), severe atrophy of the testicles, and early heart disease.

The Guardian· 1 Sept 2026

She said he told her he had gum on his trousers - and when she looked down, "this well-respected, award-winning actor's testicles were hanging out from his unzipped fly".

BBC News· 17 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Latin testiculus, diminutive of testis.

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

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated