pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē How to pronounce pregnancy (audio)
plural pregnancies
Synonyms of pregnancynext
1
: the quality of being pregnant (as in meaning)
2
: the condition of being pregnant : gestation
3
: an instance of being pregnant

Examples of pregnancy in a Sentence

an elephant's pregnancy can last almost a year
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Zafman presented fresh research this month that analyzed health insurance claims of nearly 4,000 patients with depression or anxiety who took antidepressants before their pregnancies. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 24 Feb. 2026 The first drug, mifepristone, blocks hormones needed to continue a pregnancy. Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 2026 The letter writer doesn’t bother to research to see if deer birth control is in existence, but those currently in use in the United States involve darting or injecting females to trigger antibodies that prevent pregnancy. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2026 The catalyst was an unexpected pregnancy and a reality check from Black’s brother. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pregnancy

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pregnancy was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pregnancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pregnancy. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

pregnancy

noun
preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē How to pronounce pregnancy (audio)
plural pregnancies
: the condition of being pregnant : gestation

Medical Definition

pregnancy

noun
preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən-sē How to pronounce pregnancy (audio)
plural pregnancies
1
: the condition of being pregnant
2
: an instance of being pregnant

More from Merriam-Webster on pregnancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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