pregnant

adjective

preg·​nant ˈpreg-nənt 

1

: containing a developing embryo, fetus, or unborn offspring within the body : gravid

2

: full, teeming

3

: rich in significance or implication

the pregnant phrases of the Bible

—Edmund Wilson

a pregnant pause

4

: having possibilities of development or consequence : involving important issues : momentous

draw inspiration from the heroic achievements of that pregnant age

—Kemp Malone

5

: abounding in fancy, wit, or resourcefulness : inventive

all this has been said … by great and pregnant artists

—The Times Literary Supplement (London)

6

archaic : cogent

7

obsolete : inclined, disposed

your own most pregnant and vouchsafed ear

—William Shakespeare

pregnantly adverb

Synonyms

• big
• caught
• enceinte
• expectant
• expecting
• gone
• gravid
• heavy
• quick [archaic]

Examples of pregnant in a Sentence

She got pregnant soon after her marriage.

There was a pregnant pause before the winner was announced.

Recent Examples on the Web

People who are pregnant or lactating should be cautious with annatto supplementation, as research is lacking regarding its safety in these populations.14 When buying a supplement, make sure the product is independently tested. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 21 Dec. 2024

Because limited research exists on the effects of C. asiatica on pregnancy and lactation, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024

In Immaculate, Sydney Sweeney stars as Sister Cecilia, who becomes a holy figure to her fellow nuns when she’s found to be pregnant despite being a virgin. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024

The Con, and will look into the story of Kaitlyn Braun, a promising young social worker, who pretended to be pregnant on numerous occasions. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin praegnant-, praegnans carrying a fetus, alteration of praegnas, from prae- pre- + -gnas (akin to gignere to give birth to) — more at kin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 6

Kids Definition

pregnant

adjective

preg·​nant ˈpreg-nənt 

1

: containing a developing embryo, fetus, or unborn offspring within the body

2

: full of meaning

a pregnant pause

pregnantly adverb

Medical Definition

pregnant

adjective

preg·​nant ˈpreg-nənt 

: containing a developing embryo, fetus, or unborn offspring within the body : gestating, gravid