gestate

verb

ges·​tate ˈje-ˌstāt How to pronounce gestate (audio)
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
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.
The former Man of Steel star shared a first look at his turn as Connor MacLeod on Wednesday, giving fans a taste of Chad Stahelski's long-gestating Highlander reboot. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026 From Breaking Bad to Fight Club, the misinterpretation of media that skewers the male power fantasy is well established, and the long-gestating HBO sleeper hit Industry, now in its senior season, is no exception to the literacy crisis. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 19 Jan. 2026 Prime Video’s long-gestating God of War series has found its lead actor. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026 These characters have been gestating inside you. Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gestate

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from gestation

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gestate was in 1858

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gestate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestate. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

gestate

verb
ges·​tate ˈjes-ˌtāt How to pronounce gestate (audio)
gestated; gestating

transitive verb

: to carry in the uterus during pregnancy

intransitive verb

: to be in the process of gestation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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