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
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetal position was in 1887

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Cite this Entry

“Fetal position.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetal%20position. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

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 toward the chest and the head is bowed forward and which is assumed in some forms of psychological regression
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