pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē How to pronounce pregnancy (audio)
plural pregnancies
1
: the quality of being pregnant (as in meaning)
2
: the condition of being pregnant : gestation
3
: an instance of being pregnant

Examples of pregnancy in a Sentence

an elephant's pregnancy can last almost a year
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Enshrining these protections into law would have the effect of protecting reproductive freedom in the state, which currently allows for abortions up to 24 weeks, and at any time if your health or pregnancy is at risk. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024 Owens provided a sonogram to Echard, supposedly showing her pregnancy, which Mata said had actually been posted to YouTube seven years ago. Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024 Children born to women who could plan their pregnancies generally have better health, education, and financial outcomes. Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Complications are more likely to occur in early pregnancy. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pregnancy 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pregnancy was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pregnancy

Cite this Entry

“Pregnancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pregnancy. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pregnancy

noun
preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē How to pronounce pregnancy (audio)
plural pregnancies
: the condition of being pregnant : gestation

Medical Definition

pregnancy

noun
preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən-sē How to pronounce pregnancy (audio)
plural pregnancies
1
: the condition of being pregnant
2
: an instance of being pregnant

More from Merriam-Webster on pregnancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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