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.
There have been 25 hospitalizations, six deaths and one fetal loss. Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025 Supplementing with vitamin D and calcium at effective doses, plus safe sun exposure, may be a simple, cost-effective way to support maternal and fetal health. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025 Contrary to what is shared on social media, flu vaccines do not contain fetal cells, blood products, human DNA, soy, gluten, latex or microchips. Liz Szabo, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2025 Endorsed by Kansans for Life, Sutton supported the law that allows a video on fetal development, including one being promoted by the political group, to be used in classrooms. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2025 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 1 Nov. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on fetal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!