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

Now four months along, Rosie is receiving standard obstetric care, and all indications are that her pregnancy is proceeding well. —Alice Park, Time, 10 June 2025

When Whitney Houston delivered her iconic performance at the 1994 American Music Awards, or when Beyoncé announced her pregnancy at the 2011 VMAs, these were cultural touchstones. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 June 2025

That anxiety continued throughout my entire pregnancy. —Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 9 June 2025

That’s when deputies realized the woman was still alive and in the late stages of pregnancy, according to Mellinger. —Mitchell Willetts, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025

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