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

Experts recommend consuming no more than 400 mg of caffeine daily, and people with severe hypertension, anxiety, epilepsy, stomach ulcers, or pregnancy may need to cut back further. —Md Published, Verywell Health, 8 Dec. 2025

And while reproduction and pregnancy in space is purely theoretical and years ahead of us as a species, effectively managing menstrual cycles in space will be crucial to reproducing outside Earth. —Jessica Rendall, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025

While many women cherish their pregnancies and vividly remember the plethora of changes their body went through, the same can’t be said for Keionna Dickerson. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025

Baldoni admitted to telling Lively that he was circumcised while discussing her pregnancy. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 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