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.
Essentially, mom and baby share one another’s cells and DNA during pregnancy, with the fetus often transferring more cells to the mother. Essence, 23 June 2025 Exposure to wildfire smoke and heat stress both before and during pregnancy may be associated with adverse outcomes at birth, a new study has found. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 23 June 2025 The new contract guarantees an athlete’s pay and bonuses for 18 months around pregnancy. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 June 2025 There would be no impact on limited-scope coverage (emergency, pregnancy services, etc.) and children would remain unaffected. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 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 30 Jun. 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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