fetal position
noun
: 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
Now sit tall, with your legs crossed, or remain curled up in the fetal position—sorry, the unborn person position, as I’m now legally required to call it.
—
Jena Friedman, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
How about falling into a fetal position and playing dead?
—Alann B. Steen, Outdoor Life, 21 May 2025
Ventura went into the fetal position and did not respond with physical force, Richard said.
—Alice Gainer, CBS News, 16 May 2025
During a grizzly attack, experts like Manley suggest lying in the fetal position, covering your stomach, being quiet, and playing dead.
—Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fetal position
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.
Jena Friedman, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
How about falling into a fetal position and playing dead?
—Alann B. Steen, Outdoor Life, 21 May 2025
Ventura went into the fetal position and did not respond with physical force, Richard said.
—Alice Gainer, CBS News, 16 May 2025
During a grizzly attack, experts like Manley suggest lying in the fetal position, covering your stomach, being quiet, and playing dead.
—Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fetal position
Cite this Entry
“Fetal position.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetal%20position. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share