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

Sode noted the contrast with men, who on announcing a partner’s pregnancy simply receive congratulations and a nudge to work harder. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

This is partly due to common symptoms between certain types of cancer and pregnancy, but also because physicians (and patients) are reluctant to perform imaging during pregnancy, which delays biopsies and management. — Elyce Cardonick, STAT, 2 Nov. 2026

Tylenol's legal troubles In acquiring Kenvue, Kimberly-Clark also inherits legal and reputational risks over Tylenol, which has faced litigation and controversy over allegations concerning its use during pregnancy. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026

Gladys’s pregnancy has moved into terrifying 1880s childbirth. — Alice Burton, Vulture, 2 Nov. 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