: 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
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In some states, hospitals can seek a court order if a pregnant patient refuses a recommended intervention, arguing that the fetus has separate rights that must be protected.
—
Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
Placental Mammals Placental mammal, (infraclass Eutheria), any member of the mammalian group characterized by the presence of a placenta, which facilitates exchange of nutrients and wastes between the blood of the mother and that of the fetus.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Additional studies into a mother’s reverse aging processes have suggested that the fetus may have a rejuvenating effect on the mother.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
For women of childbearing age, kratom may pose a risk to the fetus if pregnancy occurs.
—Andrew Kolodny, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fetus
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Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
Placental Mammals Placental mammal, (infraclass Eutheria), any member of the mammalian group characterized by the presence of a placenta, which facilitates exchange of nutrients and wastes between the blood of the mother and that of the fetus.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Additional studies into a mother’s reverse aging processes have suggested that the fetus may have a rejuvenating effect on the mother.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
For women of childbearing age, kratom may pose a risk to the fetus if pregnancy occurs.
—Andrew Kolodny, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fetus
Cite this Entry
“Fetus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetus. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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