expectant

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​pec·​tant ik-ˈspek-tənt How to pronounce expectant (audio)
1
: characterized by expectation
2
: expecting the birth of a child
expectant mothers
expectantly adverb

expectant

2 of 2

noun

: one who is looking forward to something

Examples of expectant in a Sentence

Adjective An expectant crowd waited for her arrival. expectant crowds gathered at the spot where the President was scheduled to make an appearance Noun divinity students who were all expectants for a curacy
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Be prepared for a wait, but use that time to tailgate with other expectant diners in the parking lot. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2024 The expectant parents have also been making time for themselves ahead of the arrival of their first child. Angel Saunders, People.com, 7 Oct. 2024
Noun
The promise of championships, an expectant crowd, the desire to send a retiring teammate out on a high. Jamie Barton, CNN, 27 Sep. 2024 Crowe also kisses her belly in another image before the expectant parents share a kiss in a third photo. Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 10 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expectant 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expectant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expectant was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near expectant

Cite this Entry

“Expectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectant. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

expectant

adjective
ex·​pect·​ant
ik-ˈspek-tənt
1
: characterized by or being in a state of expectation
2
: expecting the birth of a child
expectant mothers
expectantly adverb

Medical Definition

expectant

adjective
ex·​pec·​tant -tənt How to pronounce expectant (audio)
: expecting the birth of a child
expectant mothers

More from Merriam-Webster on expectant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!