ectopic pregnancy

noun

: development of a fertilized egg elsewhere than in the uterus (as in a fallopian tube or the peritoneal cavity)

Examples of ectopic pregnancy 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.
Sarah Osmundson, an obstetrician in Tennessee, offered me the example of an ectopic pregnancy, in which an embryo implants outside the uterus. Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025 This includes two ectopic pregnancies, which is when the fetus grows outside the womb, and multiple cases of sepsis. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025 These threats erupted after the Wall Street Journal reported on my life-threatening ectopic pregnancy—a nonviable pregnancy with no heartbeat. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus. Abigail Brooks, NBC news, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ectopic pregnancy

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ectopic pregnancy was in 1895

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Cite this Entry

“Ectopic pregnancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ectopic%20pregnancy. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

ectopic pregnancy

noun
: gestation elsewhere than in the uterus (as in a fallopian tube or in the peritoneal cavity)

called also ectopic gestation, extrauterine gestation, extrauterine pregnancy

More from Merriam-Webster on ectopic pregnancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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