A male is a person or animal of the sex that typically has the biological role of producing sperm cells, which combine with egg cells to create offspring. In humans, males are boys and men. In animals, males include bulls, roosters, rams, and bucks (depending on the species).

The word describes one of two main biological sexes found throughout nature. Male lions have manes, male cardinals are bright red while females are tan, and male peacocks have spectacular tail feathers. These differences between males and females of the same species are called sexual dimorphism.

You'll see the word used on forms or in medicine: “Check male or female.”