gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən 

1

: the carrying of young in the uterus (see uterus sense 1) : pregnancy

2

: conception (see conception sense 3) and development especially in the mind

gestational

je-ˈstā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of gestation

• pregnancy

Examples of gestation in a Sentence

the gestation of new ideas

The book has been in gestation for a long time.

Recent Examples on the Web

There was no difference in the diagnosis rates between these siblings, despite their different experiences during gestation. —Veronique Greenwood, Time, 10 Nov. 2025

Contrary to many readings of Pluribus since its premiere, the gestation of the idea predated recent developments in generative artificial intelligence and the pandemic. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025

The feline gestation period is around two months, divided into approximately three trimesters of 20 days each. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025

Environmental factors such as particulate matter pollution and lead exposure were also among the most significant risk factors, along with those related to newborn health including low birthweight and short gestation. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin gestation-, gestatio, from gestare to bear, frequentative of gerere to bear

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for gestation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən 

: the carrying of young in the uterus : pregnancy

Medical Definition

gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən 

1

: the carrying of young in the uterus from conception to delivery : pregnancy

2

: gestation period

gestational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective