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in utero

American  
[in yoo-tuh-roh] / ɪn ˈju təˌroʊ /

adverb

  1. in the uterus; unborn.


in utero British  
/ ɪn ˈjuːtəˌrəʊ /

adverb

  1. 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.

See Examples For:

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

Unlike the childhood circumstances that can affect height, the environmental exposures associated with autism for the most part take place in utero.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 11, 2025

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

From Science Daily Dec. 10, 2025

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

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