pregnancy

noun

preg·nan·cy | \ ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē

plural pregnancies

Definition of pregnancy

1 : the quality of being pregnant (as in meaning)

2 : the condition of being pregnant : gestation

3 : an instance of being pregnant

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about pregnancy

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Examples of pregnancy in a Sentence

an elephant's pregnancy can last almost a year

Recent Examples on the Web

Some babies, however, have a hard time waking themselves up, even when necessary, because of tobacco exposure during pregnancy or during infancy in the home. — Rebeca Kimsey Markovich, M.d., miamiherald, "Tips for keeping babies safe while they're sleeping," 2 July 2018 According to royal reporter Katie Nicholl, the Duchess plans to work well into her pregnancy. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Meghan Markle Just Arrived at Mayhew Wearing an Affordable H&M Maternity Dress," 16 Jan. 2019 While visiting Number 7, a cafe and supermarket for low-income communities, Meghan chatted with another mom-to-be about their pregnancies. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Talks About Her Due Date and the Sex of Her Baby," 14 Jan. 2019 Some gossip sites speculated wildly about the reasons for her pregnancy and her child's paternity. — Hanna Lustig, Teen Vogue, "Jamie Lynn Spears Claims the Real Reason Zoey 101 Ended Wasn't Pregnancy," 10 Jan. 2019 Unfortunately, people who have fibroids are more likely to have problems during their pregnancy and delivery. — Korin Miller, SELF, "'RHOA' Star Kenya Moore Says Her Uterine Fibroids Led to Her 3-Hour C-Section," 13 Dec. 2018 The former adult film star has not been shy about sharing her weight-loss journey since her April 2017 pregnancy. — Fox News, "Jenna Jameson opens up about battle with loose skin after losing 60 lbs," 28 Sep. 2018 Nurses visit moms-to-be every other week from pregnancy until the babies turn 2. — Tracy Saelinger, Woman's Day, "This Nurse Helps New Moms When They're Most Vulnerable," 8 Jan. 2019 Earlier this year, it was announced that a woman would undergo mitochondrial donation therapy, in essence making a three-person pregnancy. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Take Major Step Towards Making Babies From Skin Cells," 21 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pregnancy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.