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

They’re born before antibodies – protective proteins that recognize incoming germs – can be transferred from mother to baby during the later stages of pregnancy. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there’s a little more nuance. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026

In fact, data on pregnancy rates from frozen eggs are 80-90 percent in women under age 35–a statistic that is truly remarkable. — Dr. Jaime Knopman, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Winnekens, who was diagnosed with lupus around 11, ended up spending three weeks in the hospital during her pregnancy due to health issues. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 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