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
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.
Kylie Kelce is getting real about the experience of pregnancy. Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024 Ellie is currently in her third trimester of pregnancy at 32 weeks. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 Whether the new findings will change medical management of pregnancies in the U.S. or elsewhere remains to be seen. Byjennifer Couzin-Frankel, science.org, 4 Dec. 2024 Some pregnancies, for instance, are never viable because of complications. Chantelle Lee, TIME, 4 Dec. 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 21 Dec. 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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