in utero
Americanadverb
adverb
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.
"And spina bifida and gastroschisis are just two, but I believe that we could actually do certain cardiac surgeries in utero, and I think we can also do some lung surgeries in utero."
From BBC ● Aug. 3, 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
Previous studies in smaller populations also link in utero exposure of these drugs with neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring, such as ones linking topiramate and intellectual disability, and those associating valproate and lower IQ.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 15, 2024
Optimal bone health starts in utero, but our prepubescent years are key to setting our skeleton up for later life.
From Salon ● May 1, 2024
Something you should understand: I’m not androgynous in the least. 5-alpha-reductase deficiency syndrome allows for normal biosynthesis and peripheral action of testosterone, in utero, neona- tally, and at puberty.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
