fetus

noun

fe·​tus ˈfē-təs How to pronounce fetus (audio)
: 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
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.
While a male fetus is developing in the womb, testicles originate in the abdomen near the kidneys. — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 The fetus would—obviously—die, but the laboring woman might survive. — Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 The murder of the pregnant person and forcible removal of a fetus from their uterus is the culmination of a crime that took extensive planning. — Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026 Upon seeing into the car, the trooper discovered Parker holding a fetus with the umbilical cord still attached. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fetus

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, act of bearing young, offspring; akin to Latin fetus newly delivered, fruitful — more at feminine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetus was in the 14th century

Rhymes for fetus

See All Rhymes for fetus

Browse Nearby Words

fettuccine Alfredo
fetus
feu
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fetus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fetus

noun
fe·​tus ˈfēt-əs How to pronounce fetus (audio)
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
ˈfēt-əs How to pronounce fetus (audio)
plural fetuses or chiefly British foetuses or foeti ˈfēt-ˌī How to pronounce fetus (audio)
: 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.com: Encyclopedia article about fetus

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