pregnant

adjective

preg·​nant ˈpreg-nənt 

1

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

2

: full, teeming

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

• big
• caught
• enceinte
• expectant
• expecting
• gone
• gravid
• heavy
• quick [archaic]

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

One group that should probably steer clear of tretinoin: People who are pregnant or breastfeeding. —Krissy Brady, SELF, 2 Apr. 2024

Instead of trying to hide her pregnancy, the show decided to use it for a storyline and made her character, Miranda Hobbes, pregnant as well. —Jessica Booth, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024

Six American cruise passengers, including a pregnant woman, and two Australians were stranded on an African island during a vacation getaway, according to reports. —Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 1 Apr. 2024

Jane Doe 300 abused by Ortega while pregnant, lawsuit alleges Plaintiff Jane Doe 300 visited a NorthShore facility in Evanston, Illinois, for prenatal appointments with Ortega twice in 2017, after an 18-month criminal investigation into Ortega was already underway, according to the complaint. —Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2024

In Arizona, abortions are prohibited after 15 weeks of gestation per state law, except when a pregnant patient is under imminent threat of death. —Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 29 Mar. 2024

In recent inspections, the Fort Worth facility has been cited for a routine happy hour that led to a pregnant employee being attacked by a patient; failing to give regular showers and timely incontinence care; and serving cold and lukewarm food to residents. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2024

Ashley, who was 11 weeks pregnant at the time, said she was raped by a stranger in the yard of the family's home. —Rachel Scott, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2024

But especially those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, over 65 or dealing with any thyroid conditions should avoid consuming any sea moss products, Galati says. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024

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

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