fetal position

noun

Definition of fetal position

: a position (as of a sleeping person) in which the body lies curled up on one side with the arms and legs drawn up and the head bowed forward and which is assumed in some forms of psychic regression

Examples of fetal position in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sleeping in fetal position can help prevent leakage, too! — Danielle Sinay, Teen Vogue, "The Best Sleeping Positions for Period Cramp Relief," 13 Mar. 2019 Then the nurse crouched down in the fetal position and wept. — Anne Barnard And Hwaida Saad, New York Times, "Despite U.N. Cease-Fire, Syrian Forces Begin New Attacks in Rebel-Held Enclave," 25 Feb. 2018 Is anyone else curling up into fetal position on Kate's behalf right now? — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton Was Reportedly Very Hurt by Queen Elizabeth's Early Criticisms of Her Lifestyle," 9 Feb. 2019 That's enough of a reality check to send any good Rangers fan into a fetal position. — Stefan Stevenson, star-telegram, "Rangers Reaction: Four things we know after four games against the Astros | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 1 Apr. 2018 After a few rotations through other strange poses, we were directed to grab a giant rubber band and lie in the fetal position on the floor. — Crystal Paul, The Seattle Times, "Barre class looks easy? Think again," 28 Nov. 2018 After Cruz’s photo was posted to Twitter, Houston Rockets fans jumped in bed and curled into the fetal position for a good, hard cry. — Stephen A. Crockett Jr., The Root, "How Sen. Ted Cruz Cursed the Houston Rockets and Kept Them Out of the NBA Finals," 29 May 2018 Neymar reacted theatrically, assuming a fetal position and writhing on his back, like a turtle flipped onto its shell. — Andrew Keh, New York Times, "Brazil’s Joy Is Mexico’s Heartbreak in World Cup Knockout," 4 July 2018 During cross-examination by prosecutor Kimberly Gonzalez, the defendant became upset and at times covered his face, sobbed and would not look at the crime scene photographs, some of which showed Estrada in a fetal position in a pool of blood. — Elizabeth Zavala, San Antonio Express-News, "San Antonio man accused of stabbing boyfriend sobs after grisly photos shown," 22 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fetal position.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

21 Mar 2019

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The first known use of fetal position was in 1963

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More Definitions for fetal position

fetal position

noun

English Language Learners Definition of fetal position

: a position in which you lie on your side with both legs and both arms bent and pulled up to your chest and with your head bowed forward

See the full definition for fetal position in the English Language Learners Dictionary

fetal position

noun

Medical Definition of fetal position

: a position (as of a sleeping person) in which the body lies curled up on one side with the arms and legs drawn up toward the chest and the head is bowed forward and which is assumed in some forms of psychological regression