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

Disconcerted by the apartment’s elderly tenants and their overt interest in her pregnancy, Rosemary soon becomes convinced that her neighbors are using her as a Satanic surrogate and intend to include her unborn child in their demonic rituals. —Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025

Vitamin E supports cell protection and immune health, and daily needs rise with age, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. —Brandi Jones, Health, 29 Dec. 2025

Part of my pain came from the blame around pregnancy loss. —Miriam Finder Annenberg, CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025

In her memoir, Bardot spoke harshly about her pregnancy and her lack of desire to become a mother. —Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025

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