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.
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 Both projects are long-gestating passions of Star Wars godfather George Lucas, with the Lucas Museum being announced in 2013 and Detours, which Lucas executive-produced, remaining in stasis since Disney’s 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 July 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

Rhymes for gestate

See All Rhymes for gestate

Browse Nearby Words

gestapo
gestate
gestation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gestate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestate. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

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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