in utero

adverb or adjective

: in the uterus : before birth
a disease acquired in utero
an in utero diagnosis

Examples of in utero 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.
Researchers found that in utero exposure to phthalates is linked with altered metabolism of neurotransmitters and amino acids involved in brain maturation, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Nature Communications. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025 Exposure to lead is most serious during brain development – in utero, infancy and early childhood, and can high levels of exposure can lead to learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and a lower IQ, the FDA says. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 The plea was in connection with the crimes of his wife, Amber Waterman, who pleaded guilty last year to federal charges of kidnapping resulting in death and causing the death of a child in utero. Tracy Neal, Arkansas Online, 17 June 2025 Researchers have long suspected that factors during early development, including in utero, may be critical to disease risk. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for in utero

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in utero was in 1713

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In utero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20utero. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

in utero

adverb or adjective
: in the uterus : before birth
a disease acquired in utero
an in utero diagnosis

Legal Definition

in utero

adverb or adjective
: in the uterus : before birth
an injury suffered in utero
that her condition could possibly be linked to in utero exposureBurgess v. Eli Lilly & Co., 995 F.2d 646 (1993)
Etymology

Latin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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