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

After revealing the pregnancy to PEOPLE in March, Culpo and McCaffrey welcomed baby girl Colette Annalise McCaffrey on July 13. —Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025

While Bailey understands that many moms struggle with their pregnancy stretch marks, putting them in the larger context of her life story has truly been freeing. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 22 Dec. 2025

Facing a high-risk pregnancy, Partida quit her job to focus on her health and that of her child. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2025

Head and neck trauma and sudden hormonal shifts after pregnancy can also trigger chronic fatigue, Teitelbaum warned. —Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 20 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