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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.
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 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 10 Dec. 2025.

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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