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

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

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