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

The birthing experience was a surprising, but happy ending to an easy pregnancy. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

In Post-Roe Texas, Amal, an Indian-American woman, grapples with an unexpected pregnancy when her path crosses with a newlywed Indian immigrant, Charulata. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025

Platkin’s office said, within the past two years, New Jersey warehouse workers put in more than 27,000 accommodations requests for pregnancy or disabilities. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025

Since menstruating people ovulate once a month, cysts show up and usually go away on their own after the menstrual cycle or after pregnancy. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 27 Oct. 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