pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē 

plural pregnancies

1

: the quality of being pregnant (as in meaning)

2

: the condition of being pregnant : gestation

3

: an instance of being pregnant

Synonyms

• family way
• gestation
• gravidity

Examples of pregnancy in a Sentence

an elephant's pregnancy can last almost a year

Recent Examples on the Web

Her pregnancies are painful and unpleasant, especially compared to Lenù’s. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024

Kibler shared the news of their pregnancy on his TikTok and Instagram pages, confirming with his audience of more than 180,000 followers that their child will be born HIV-negative. —Sara Belcher, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Viability is around 24 weeks of pregnancy, but subject to a variety of factors, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. —Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Currently, 13 states are enforcing bans at all stages of pregnancy, with some exceptions. —Geoff Mulvihill, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pregnancy

• ectopic pregnancy
• false pregnancy
• phantom pregnancy
• pregnancy test
• tubal pregnancy

Kids Definition

pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē 

plural pregnancies

: the condition of being pregnant : gestation

Medical Definition

pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən-sē 

plural pregnancies

1

: the condition of being pregnant

2

: an instance of being pregnant