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

For Jill Little, the director of YPP, the program has been a steadying force in walking alongside the girls through the uncertainty of pregnancy, childbirth and raising a child. — Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Just a decade ago, pregnancy would frequently signal the end of a female athlete’s professional career. — Pj Green july 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Fertility is a particularly vulnerable aspect of health, and people are often eager to try whatever offers a better chance at conception and a healthy pregnancy, Kawwass said. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Two years of full-time motherhood, postpartum depression, bed rest during a complicated second pregnancy, therapy, medication, and the complete demolition of an identity built on achievement and external metrics. — Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 23 July 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