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.
In another post wishing her husband a happy anniversary, Ginger showed a video montage of their pregnancy journey. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2025 One 2025 study indicated that wearable devices with AI were able to predict pregnancy with 92% accuracy and diabetes with 82% accuracy, PCMag reported. Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Certain medications, pregnancy, and older age can also impact your appetite. Laura Schober, Health, 21 Aug. 2025 Reproductive function—Supports the developing fetus during pregnancy, adapting to the growing uterus. Mónica Heras, Vogue, 20 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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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