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 of pregnancy

• gestation

Examples of pregnancy in a Sentence

an elephant's pregnancy can last almost a year

Recent Examples on the Web

Keep scrolling for the other Amazon maternity essentials that were constantly on rotation during my pregnancy. —Olivia Dubyak, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

David Mandell, a psychiatry professor at the University of Pennsylvania, said the idea that wildfire smoke exposure could raise autism risk is broadly consistent with previous research linking air pollution exposure during the mother's pregnancy to poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 20 Jan. 2026

Other research concluded ginger can be helpful in preventing nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy and chemotherapy. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 20 Jan. 2026

Flora Vesterberg, granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, announced her pregnancy on Instagram. —Emma Banks, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026

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