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.
Plus, reviewers rave that this set is great for pregnancy and postpartum. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2025 Morgan, a two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, announced her retirement from professional soccer in September 2024, coinciding with the news of her second pregnancy. Annabelle Canela, Parents, 31 Mar. 2025 During the reunion, Jasmine kept certain pregnancy details private. Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 31 Mar. 2025 The 31-year-old said that his perspective isn't common, largely because of how fathers are positioned during pregnancy and childbirth. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pregnancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pregnancy. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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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