condom
gb/kˈɑndəm/ us/kˈɑndəm/
B2
English
~ 8100
óvszer
NOUN
B2
1
óvszer
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] uses [a condom] during [sex]
They decided to use a condom to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
Úgy döntöttek, óvszert használnak, hogy kisebb legyen a terhesség kockázata.
Always check the expiration date before putting on a condom.
Mindig ellenőrizd a lejárati dátumot, mielőtt felhúzol egy óvszert.
The doctor explained how to use a condom correctly to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
He refused to have sex without a condom, because he was worried about STIs.
Some people are allergic to latex condoms and choose non-latex options instead.
Learner examples
He always uses a condom during sex.
Szex közben mindig óvszert használ.
She bought a box of condoms at the pharmacy.
Vett egy doboz óvszert a patikában.
The teacher showed how to put a condom on a model in the health class.
Using a condom can help stop disease during sex.
They did not use a condom, and now she is worried she might be pregnant.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse the noun pattern and say *"He puts condom"* instead of *"He puts on a condom"*. Remember: 'condom' is countable, so say *"a condom"* or *"condoms"*. Another mistake is mixing up 'condom' with 'condominium' (a type of apartment); these are completely different words.
Meaning
thin sheath for sex protection
Collocations
use a condom
|wear a condom
|condom broke
|condom burst
|condom failure
|condom use
Synonyms
rubber (Informal term, especially in American English; can sound casual or slightly slangy compared to the more standard 'condom'.)
|
prophylactic (More formal and somewhat old-fashioned; often used in medical or technical contexts rather than everyday speech.)
Antonyms
unprotected sex (Refers to sexual activity without a condom or other barrier, which is the opposite situation in terms of pregnancy and infection protection.)
Themes
health
|sex
|daily life
|body
|daily_life
Definition
A thin cover made of rubber or plastic that you put on the penis, or inside the vagina or anus, during sex to stop pregnancy and help stop disease.
A thin, usually latex or plastic sheath worn on the penis or placed inside the vagina or anus during sexual activity to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Grammar
Dictionary form
condom
IPA
GB/kˈɑndəm/
US/kˈɑndəm/
Syllables & stress
con - dom (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (con)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: condom
- Plural: condoms
Word family
Forms
condoms
noun
Core family
contraception
noun
contraceptive
noun/adjective B2
Related words
protection
noun A2
Negative and opposite forms
condomless
adjective
unprotected
adjective
Advanced or less common
prophylactic
noun/adjective
Expressions
the condom broke
1/ðə kˈɑndəm bɹˈoʊk/
fixed phrase
condom tore during sex
The condom tore or opened during sex, so it did not fully protect.
Examples
- She took emergency contraception because the condom broke.
- If the condom broke, you should talk to a doctor or clinic as soon as possible.
use a condom
1/jˈuz ə kˈɑndəm/
fixed phrase
have sex using a condom
To have sex with a condom, in order to stop pregnancy or reduce the chance of disease.
Examples
- You should always use a condom with a new partner.
- The campaign encourages young people to use a condom every time they have sex.
wear a condom
1/wˈɛɹ ə kˈɑndəm/
fixed phrase
have a condom on the penis
For a man to have a condom on his penis during sex.
Examples
- He refused to wear a condom, so she decided not to have sex.
- The nurse showed him the correct way to wear a condom.
with a condom
1/wˈɪθ ə kˈɑndəm/
fixed phrase
sex using a condom
To have sex and use a condom.
Examples
- It is safer to have sex with a condom than without one.
- They agreed to have sex only with a condom.
without a condom
1/wɪðˈaʊt ə kˈɑndəm/
fixed phrase
sex with no condom
To have sex and not use a condom.
Examples
- Having sex without a condom increases the risk of STIs.
- She got pregnant after they had sex without a condom.