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

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

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