gestation
noun
ges·ta·tion
je-ˈstā-shən 
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
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
Children were also more likely to be diagnosed with autism and ADHD if their fathers took antidepressants during their gestation, even if their mothers did not — an association that suggests a genetic link, not a pharmacological one.
—
Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
On October 16, 2025, Michelle Brown welcomed her son Phillip into the world at just 23 weeks of gestation.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Last month, the House of Representatives agreed to do their bidding by tucking a provision in the Farm Bill that would abrogate state humane farming laws that ban gestation, veal, and battery crates.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 18 May 2026
About 1,000 mg of iron is required during gestation and the postpartum period to support fetal growth and development and an increase in maternal blood volume.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for gestation
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.
Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
On October 16, 2025, Michelle Brown welcomed her son Phillip into the world at just 23 weeks of gestation.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Last month, the House of Representatives agreed to do their bidding by tucking a provision in the Farm Bill that would abrogate state humane farming laws that ban gestation, veal, and battery crates.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 18 May 2026
About 1,000 mg of iron is required during gestation and the postpartum period to support fetal growth and development and an increase in maternal blood volume.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for gestation
Cite this Entry
“Gestation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestation. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gestation
noun
ges·ta·tion
je-ˈstā-shən
: the carrying of young in the uterus : pregnancy
Medical Definition
gestation
noun
ges·ta·tion
je-ˈstā-shən
1
: the carrying of young in the uterus from conception to delivery : pregnancy
2
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
