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.
Like her costar Diaz, Cox's second pregnancy was written into her storyline on The Rookie. Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026 Zinc plays a key role in immunity, cell growth, healing, and healthy development during childhood and pregnancy. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026 The lawsuit also said the state's law violated the rights of Indiana temple members who were unable to terminate pregnancy after contraceptives failed, though no members were named specifically. Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026 Alyssa Diaz’s real-life pregnancy became a large part of her character’s season 3 storyline. Tanya Melendez, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026 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 8 Jan. 2026.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!