🔍 Definition & Meaning:
A condom (noun) /ˈkɒn.dəm/ is a thin, flexible sheath—usually made of latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene—worn over the penis during sex (male condom) or inserted into the vagina (female condom) to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Condoms are barrier methods of contraception and one of the most accessible and effective tools in sexual health and safe sex practices.
🔹 Pronunciation:
/ˈkɒn.dəm/
(Rhymes with random)
🔹 Grammatical Formation:
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| Noun (countable) | He always carries a condom in his wallet. |
| Plural | Condoms are available at most pharmacies. |
| Adjective (compound) | Condom use reduces STI transmission. |
🔹 Simple Explanation (For Learners):
A condom is a cover worn during sex to stop pregnancy and disease spread. It’s easy to use, found in many stores, and helps you have safer sex.
🔹 Real-Life Examples:
- She reminded him to wear a condom before sex.
- Condoms are free at many health clinics.
- They used a flavored condom for oral sex.
🔹 Common Collocations:
- wear a condom
- use a condom
- condom brand
- flavored condom
- female condom
- condom use
- condom packet
- condom break
- latex condom
- condom availability
🔹 Idiomatic Usage & Expressions:
While “condom” isn’t found in many formal idioms, some informal or slang expressions include:
- “No glove, no love” – a playful way of saying sex shouldn’t happen without a condom.
- “Wrap it before you tap it” – a slang expression encouraging condom use.
- “Rubber up” – slang for wearing a condom.
- “Pack protection” – to carry condoms.
🔹 Prepositions and Usage Changes:
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| condom use | The act of using a condom |
| condom with spermicide | A condom treated with chemicals to kill sperm |
| condom during sex | When a condom is worn during intercourse |
| condom for protection | Refers to its function |
🔹 Synonyms (common or slang):
rubber, prophylactic, sheath, love glove, wrapper, johnny, protection
🔹 Antonyms:
unprotected sex, bareback (slang), no condom, withdrawal (pull-out method, though still a method of contraception)
🔹 Related Terms:
safe sex, contraception, STI prevention, birth control, latex, female condom, Plan B, IUD, ejaculation, semen, sexual health
🔹 Word Comparison Table:
| Term | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Condom | Barrier to prevent pregnancy/STIs | Most common, external use |
| Female condom | Inserted into vagina for protection | Internal barrier method |
| Birth control | General term including hormonal/other | Condoms are a type of birth control |
| Pull-out | Ejaculating outside the vagina | Less effective than condoms |
🔹 Connection to Sexuality:
Yes, condoms are directly connected to sexuality. They are used during sexual intercourse to promote safe sex, prevent unwanted pregnancies, and reduce the risk of STIs. Condoms also promote responsible sexual behavior and are widely included in sexual education.