pregnant

adjective

preg·​nant ˈpreg-nənt 

1

: containing a developing embryo, fetus, or unborn offspring within the body : gravid

2

: full, teeming

The moment was pregnant with excitement.

3

: rich in significance or implication

… the pregnant phrases of the Bible …

—Edmund Wilson

a pregnant pause

4

: having possibilities of development or consequence : involving important issues : momentous

… draw inspiration from the heroic achievements of that pregnant age …

—Kemp Malone

5

: abounding in fancy, wit, or resourcefulness : inventive

… all this has been said … by great and pregnant artists …

—The Times Literary Supplement (London)

6

archaic : cogent

7

obsolete : inclined, disposed

… your own most pregnant and vouchsafed ear.

—William Shakespeare

pregnantly adverb

Synonyms of pregnant

• expecting
• expectant
• with young
• with child
• caught

Examples of pregnant in a Sentence

She got pregnant soon after her marriage.

There was a pregnant pause before the winner was announced.

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite widespread understanding of the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy, about 25% of pregnant women who drink report having more than four drinks in one occasion, according to STAT’s analysis of federal data. —Lev Facher, STAT, 12 May 2026

Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people of other sensitive groups like those with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to limit time outdoors and stay inside if possible. —Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 12 May 2026

The man, Lee Gilley, was previously charged with capital murder in connection to the October 2024 death of his pregnant wife, Christa Bauer Gilley. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 12 May 2026

Christa was nine weeks pregnant with their third child at the time of her death. —Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin praegnant-, praegnans carrying a fetus, alteration of praegnas, from prae- pre- + -gnas (akin to gignere to give birth to) — more at kin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 6

Rhymes for pregnant

• regnant
• nonpregnant

Kids Definition

pregnant

adjective

preg·​nant ˈpreg-nənt 

1

: containing a developing embryo, fetus, or unborn offspring within the body

2

: full of meaning

a pregnant pause

pregnantly adverb

Medical Definition

pregnant

adjective

preg·​nant ˈpreg-nənt 

: containing a developing embryo, fetus, or unborn offspring within the body : gestating, gravid