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

The new review, published in the journal The Lancet on Monday, analyzed multiple studies and concluded that a man's health prior to conception, including their mental health, nutrition, lifestyle choices like smoking, and environmental factors, may all have an impact on their partner's pregnancy. —Dr. Anna Jinnah, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, his own mother (Laura Tonke) is a Nazi apologist who’s also in advanced stages of pregnancy. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026

Education has become too hyperfocused on preventing pregnancy, Ahmad said. —Amanda Seitz, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026

Mestaz, who officials said was in an advanced stage of pregnancy at that time, was later arrested on March 12 after giving birth. —Richard Ramos, CBS News, 16 Mar. 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