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 of pregnancy

• gestation

Examples of pregnancy in a Sentence

an elephant's pregnancy can last almost a year

Recent Examples on the Web

The couple struggled with infertility and recurring pregnancy loss before deciding to look into foster care and adoption routes. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

Largeman-Roth notes that its folate content is especially important for heart health and healthy pregnancies. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026

The parent closes the drawer, opens a pregnancy-planning app, looks at it for a few seconds, and closes that too. — Frank Diana, Time, 30 July 2026

Portman previously opened up about her third pregnancy in an interview with Harper's Bazaar published in April. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 30 July 2026

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