gestate

verb

ges·​tate ˈje-ˌstāt 

gestated; gestating

transitive verb

1

: to carry in the uterus during pregnancy

2

: to conceive and gradually develop in the mind

intransitive verb

: to be in the process of gestation

Examples of gestate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But that’s only if everything else goes according to plan for the long-gestating sequel, which is being developed under the guidance of executive producer and star Vin Diesel. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Aug. 2026

Hertzberg and Zappa’s own creative collaboration has been gestating for considerably longer. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

Last year, Ellison’s Skydance completed its long-gestating merger with Paramount Global, giving Ellison control of CBS News. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026

Their chat focused on DiCaprio’s long-gestating ideas for how to protect endangered species and their habitats. — Chris Gardner For The Hollywood Reporter, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from gestation

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for gestate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Medical Definition

gestate

verb

ges·​tate ˈjes-ˌtāt 

gestated; gestating

transitive verb

: to carry in the uterus during pregnancy

intransitive verb

: to be in the process of gestation