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

With limited resources available, every decision carried enormous weight, especially given that both her conditions can affect fertility and reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026

According to Healthline, nearly 100% of women in Iceland who receive a positive test for Down syndrome terminate their pregnancy. —Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026

Any funding increase for OHRP would mean cuts to other programs in the assistant secretary’s purview, like teenage pregnancy prevention and environmental public health. —Megan Molteni, STAT, 5 June 2026

The pair later decided to terminate the pregnancy, Ridgway indicated. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 5 June 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