-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
: an unborn or unhatched vertebrate especially after attaining the basic structural plan of its kind
specifically
: a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth compare embryo sense 1a
Examples of fetus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The discovery of two fetuses on a public bus in Baltimore over the weekend has homicide detectives investigating, according to reports.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 3 June 2024
Previous estimates were lower because scientists generally assumed that most of the energy involved in reproduction wound up stored in the fetus, which is relatively small.
—Carl Zimmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2024
Her fetus had been diagnosed with a fatal condition and had died in her womb.
—Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 20 May 2024
Rabbinic Judaism does not regard the fetus as a full human being.
—Baltimore Sun Media, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fetus
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fetus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near fetus
Cite this Entry
“Fetus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetus. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
fetus
noun
fe·tus
ˈfēt-əs
plural fetuses
: a young animal while in the body of its mother or in the egg especially in the later stages of development
especially
: a developing human being in the uterus from usually two months after pregnancy occurs to birth compare embryo sense 1
Medical Definition
fetus
noun
fe·tus
variants
or chiefly British foetus
plural fetuses or chiefly British foetuses or foeti
ˈfēt-ˌī
: an unborn or unhatched vertebrate especially after attaining the basic structural plan of its kind
specifically
: a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth compare embryo
More from Merriam-Webster on fetus
Nglish: Translation of fetus for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of fetus for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fetus
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share