in utero

American

[in yoo-tuh-roh] / ɪn ˈyu təˌroʊ /

adverb

in the uterus; unborn.

in utero British

/ ɪn ˈjuːtəˌrəʊ /

adverb

within the womb

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of in utero

First recorded in 1705–15, in utero is from Latin in uterō

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Do I plan to sign up for Good Inside Baby during my second son’s final weeks in utero?

From Slate • May 10, 2026

When she managed to travel to New York for an abortion, Phillips learned that her baby had died in utero, putting her at high risk of blood clots and infection.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

For instance, this line of research could clarify how babies begin recognizing familiar voices while still in utero.

From Science Daily • Dec. 10, 2025

For babies exposed to the blood-borne virus in utero or during delivery, every minute the shot is delayed heightens the risk of transmission.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2025

I think my mom read somewhere that I’d be able to hear it in utero.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023