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

Rx Kids offers $1,500 in cash assistance mid-pregnancy and then monthly $500 payments for six or 12 months after birth, depending on the location, and is meant to alleviate financial burdens for families during an important part of an infant's development. —Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 2 Mar. 2026

But the figurine’s nakedness could have been more practical than erotic – to show bodily changes during pregnancy, for instance. —Anna Swartwood House, The Conversation, 2 Mar. 2026

Women infected during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, are more likely to miscarry or have a stillbirth. —Helen Branswell, STAT, 2 Mar. 2026

But Annie’s background as a medical student reveals latent complications in her pregnancy, as her daily recordings of high blood pressure indicate preeclampsia. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 2 Mar. 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