pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē 

plural pregnancies

1

: the quality of being pregnant (as in meaning)

2

: the condition of being pregnant : gestation

3

: an instance of being pregnant

Synonyms

• gestation

Examples of pregnancy in a Sentence

an elephant's pregnancy can last almost a year

Recent Examples on the Web

Poor Rosemary is tricked by those closest to her through what is quite literally a hellish pregnancy, culminating in an unforgettable ending and an enduring performance from a wide-eyed Farrow. —Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025

But at his Nashville tour finale, Keith Urban helped one fan film a pregnancy announcement that turned into one of the night's most memorable moments. —Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025

Use folic acid for general supplementation, pregnancy, or to prevent deficiency—unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. —Trang Tran, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025

Yet, apart from during pregnancy, the pelvic floor is barely talked about at all — certainly not in the context of professional sport. —Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pregnancy

• ectopic pregnancy
• false pregnancy
• phantom pregnancy
• pregnancy test
• tubal pregnancy

Kids Definition

pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē 

plural pregnancies

: the condition of being pregnant : gestation

Medical Definition

pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən-sē 

plural pregnancies

1

: the condition of being pregnant

2

: an instance of being pregnant