: retained in the uterus for the normal period of gestation before birth
a full-term newborn

Examples of full-term 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.
Lynch was the only non-incumbent running for a full-term seat. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 This week, the Senate will consider the cabinet nominations of a Kennedy scion who has previously endorsed full-term abortions and of a surrogate for Bernie Sanders’s 2016 presidential campaign. Philip Klein, National Review, 29 Jan. 2025 The trajectory of her life was far less certain than for a full-term infant who went straight home after delivery. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 This time, doctors were uncertain if Grinham’s left side would be able to hold the weight of her baby and believed part of the problem of carrying to full-term pregnancy was because of her left side’s propensity to collapse. Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 25 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for full-term 

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of full-term was in 1844

Dictionary Entries Near full-term

Cite this Entry

“Full-term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/full-term. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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