gestation
noun
ges·ta·tion
je-ˈstā-shən 
1
: the carrying of young in the uterus (see uterus sense 1) : pregnancy
2
: conception (see conception sense 3) and development especially in the mind
Examples of gestation in a Sentence
the gestation of new ideas
The book has been in gestation for a long time.
Recent Examples on the Web
The law in Arizona now allows abortions up to 15 weeks of gestation, with no exceptions beyond 15 weeks.
—
The Arizona Republic, 2 Apr. 2024
The baby is believed to have only survived to 40 weeks of gestation and could be the first case of Edwards syndrome found in such ancient remains, according to the statement.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024
Narrowing down the timeframe was critical because Corra could have been born any time between 615 to 699 days of gestation, according to Dr. Geoff Pye, Animal Health Director for Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment.
—USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2024
Some states specify that this includes at any stage of gestation.
—Katherine Drabiak, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024
Your Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week Morning Sickness Timeline
For many, morning sickness symptoms will start around week 6 of gestation.
—Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 28 Feb. 2024
Charlotte is thought to be carrying up to four pups and could give birth at any time since the gestation period for stingrays is between three and four months.
—Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 11 Feb. 2024
These efforts have yielded significant discoveries related to manta ray gestation and maturity, contributing invaluable knowledge to global manta ray conservation efforts.
—Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
Having a long gestation as a private company getting investment dollars isn’t unusual today.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
The Arizona Republic, 2 Apr. 2024
The baby is believed to have only survived to 40 weeks of gestation and could be the first case of Edwards syndrome found in such ancient remains, according to the statement.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024
Narrowing down the timeframe was critical because Corra could have been born any time between 615 to 699 days of gestation, according to Dr. Geoff Pye, Animal Health Director for Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment.
—USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2024
Some states specify that this includes at any stage of gestation.
—Katherine Drabiak, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024
Your Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week Morning Sickness Timeline
For many, morning sickness symptoms will start around week 6 of gestation.
—Lisa Milbrand, Parents, 28 Feb. 2024
Charlotte is thought to be carrying up to four pups and could give birth at any time since the gestation period for stingrays is between three and four months.
—Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 11 Feb. 2024
These efforts have yielded significant discoveries related to manta ray gestation and maturity, contributing invaluable knowledge to global manta ray conservation efforts.
—Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
Having a long gestation as a private company getting investment dollars isn’t unusual today.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gestation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Gestation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestation. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gestation
noun
ges·ta·tion
je-ˈstā-shən
: the carrying of young in the uterus : pregnancy
Medical Definition
gestation
noun
ges·ta·tion
je-ˈstā-shən
1
: the carrying of young in the uterus from conception to delivery : pregnancy
2
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