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

The long-gestating film was originally set at Sony as part of Legendary’s pact with the studio and moved to Paramount once the initial deal expired. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

Ryan Coogler‘s long-gestating The X-Files reboot, starring Emmy nominee Himesh Patel (The Odyssey, Station Eleven) and Danielle Deadwyler (The Bell Jar, The Chaperones), has been ordered to series at Hulu. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

At the moment, three of his signature movies are simultaneously being resurrected — one by another famous Steven, as in Spielberg — while a fourth project based on an ex-wife’s memoir continues to gestate as either a possible drama or documentary. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026

Crystal Lake October 15, Peacock After a tumultuous production that saw the departure of original showrunner Bryan Fuller (Hannibal), this long-gestating prequel is finally almost here, now led by showrunner Brad Caleb Kane. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 6 Oct. 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