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

This form of high blood pressure is one of several hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

According to the lawsuit, Lee was demoted during and after her pregnancy. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026

The actress advocated for marine life preservation, teen pregnancy prevention and domestic violence awareness. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

In February, the couple appeared again on Jinger and Jeremy’s podcast and spoke about pregnancy rumors that had been circulating online. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 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