gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce gestation (audio)
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 adjective

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 Three weeks later, an ultrasound revealed that at 6.5 weeks gestation, there was no heartbeat. Alyssa Ages, SELF, 13 Sep. 2023 Abortions could be prohibited after fetal viability, typically about 22 to 24 weeks gestation, unless a physician determines one is required to save the pregnant patient's life or health. Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 24 Aug. 2023 In December, the state Court of Appeals decided to keep the old law on hold and confirmed that a newer law was in effect allowing legal abortions up until the 15th week of gestation. Ray Stern, The Arizona Republic, 23 Aug. 2023 During gestation, your body’s levels of estrogen and progesterone rise. Jessica Migala, Women's Health, 28 Aug. 2023 Zebras nurse for about 275 days following an approximate 390-day gestation and birth, according to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Ashley R. Williams, CNN, 26 Aug. 2023 Currently, the most at-risk babies, including those with heart and lung diseases or born at 32 weeks of gestation or earlier, can receive monoclonal antibody treatment once per month. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 21 Aug. 2023 Once cows become pregnant, gestation lasts about a year and the calf will then nurse from its mother for one to two years, Save the Manatees says. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2023 Over 93% of abortions in the United States are performed before 13 weeks gestation, with the majority of those being chemical abortions conducted before nine weeks gestation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gabrielle M. Etzel, Washington Examiner, 21 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gestation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of gestation was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near gestation

Cite this Entry

“Gestation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestation. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

gestation

noun
ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce gestation (audio)
: the carrying of young in the uterus : pregnancy

Medical Definition

gestation

noun
ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce gestation (audio)
1
: the carrying of young in the uterus from conception to delivery : pregnancy
2
gestational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gestation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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