fetal alcohol syndrome

noun

: a highly variable group of birth defects including intellectual disability, deficient growth, and malformations of the skull and face that tend to occur in the offspring of women who consume large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy

Examples of fetal alcohol syndrome 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.
Crime victims with autism are victim-blamed less than those with fetal alcohol syndrome. — Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 However, there is no evidence that the princess had fetal alcohol syndrome. — Janine Henni, People.com, 30 July 2025 According to The Telegraph, Secrest says that Princess Margaret did not have the facial features typical of fetal alcohol syndrome. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Aug. 2025 Susan Anderson told jurors in her closing argument that Horner's fetal alcohol syndrome, lead exposure and autism diagnoses don't justify the killing, but partially explain what led to it. — USA Today, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fetal alcohol syndrome

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetal alcohol syndrome was in 1973

Rhymes for fetal alcohol syndrome

See All Rhymes for fetal alcohol syndrome

Browse Nearby Words

fetal
fetal alcohol syndrome
fetal circulation
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Cite this Entry

“Fetal alcohol syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetal%20alcohol%20syndrome. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fetal alcohol syndrome

noun
: a variable group of birth defects including deficient mental and physical growth that tend to occur in the offspring of women who drink large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy

Medical Definition

fetal alcohol syndrome

noun
: a highly variable group of birth defects including intellectual disability, deficient growth, central nervous system dysfunction, and malformations of the skull and face that tend to occur in the offspring of women who consume large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy
—abbreviation FAS

More from Merriam-Webster on fetal alcohol syndrome

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fetal alcohol syndrome

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