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

But one pregnant woman has got the internet talking with an intense and unusually sour pregnancy craving. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

Right of Conscience Act unconstitutional in a case brought by the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates and three pro-life pregnancy centers. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Her headlining seton Friday marks her return to the desert after taking over Beyoncé’s slot in 2017 due to Bey’s pregnancy with twins Rumi and Sir Carter. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2025

Last year, Bieber opened up about hiding her pregnancy the first few month. —Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 8 Apr. 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