pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē 

plural pregnancies

1

: the quality of being pregnant (as in meaning)

2

: the condition of being pregnant : gestation

3

: an instance of being pregnant

Synonyms

• gestation

Examples of pregnancy in a Sentence

an elephant's pregnancy can last almost a year

Recent Examples on the Web

Risks of marijuana in pregnancy After a pregnant woman uses marijuana in any form, the cannabis crosses into the fetus. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Although pregnancy has traditionally been considered a risk for COVID infection, Kennedy has since stated that healthy pregnant females would not qualify to get the shot. —Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

The film told the story of an underachieving stoner (Rogen) and an ambitious TV reporter (Katherine Heigl) who, after their one-night stand results in pregnancy, must navigate the complexities of becoming parents while getting to know each other. —Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025

This marked a step forward in pregnancy research. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pregnancy

• ectopic pregnancy
• false pregnancy
• phantom pregnancy
• pregnancy test
• tubal pregnancy

Kids Definition

pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē 

plural pregnancies

: the condition of being pregnant : gestation

Medical Definition

pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən-sē 

plural pregnancies

1

: the condition of being pregnant

2

: an instance of being pregnant