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.
Parts of the fetal skull had adhered to her intestines and were taken out, the lawsuit said. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025 One possible sticking point in some religions is a concern that vaccines contain fetal cells. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 5 July 2025 Back in May, pre-packaged pasta meals that are sold in Walmart and Kroger were recalled after the products were linked to three deaths, one fetal loss and 17 instances of illnesses, across 13 states, from August 2024 to May 2025. —Moná Thomas, People.com, 3 July 2025 The measure would allow abortions in medical emergencies and cases of fetal anomalies, such as birth defects. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 2 July 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

Phrases Containing fetal

Rhymes for fetal

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Browse Nearby Words

feta
fetal
fetal alcohol syndrome
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Cite this Entry

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

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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
ˈfēt-ᵊl How to pronounce fetal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

More from Merriam-Webster on fetal

Nglish: Translation of fetal for Spanish Speakers

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