fetal

adjective

fe·​tal ˈfē-tᵊl How to pronounce fetal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

Examples of fetal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And how common is fetal abduction? Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026 The figures of fetal presentations from the sixteenth century are odd, charming things. Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 The fetal remains were discovered on a property in Lutoryż, Poland, after construction workers found medical waste in the ground, according to Polish outlet TVP World. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026 The umbilicus, its clinical name, marks the former attachment point of the umbilical cord, the vascular structure that connected you to the placenta during fetal development. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fetal

Word History

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetal was in 1736

Cite this Entry

“Fetal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetal. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

fetal

adjective
fe·​tal ˈfēt-ᵊl How to pronounce fetal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

Medical Definition

fetal

adjective
fe·​tal
variants or chiefly British foetal
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

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