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

Gloria Endreo, an MSF midwife, said the team saw an average of 10 to 15 women daily, with most of them coming after the initial 72 hours, which are considered a critical period for treating injuries and trauma, avoiding infections and preventing unwanted pregnancies. —Evelyne Musambi, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026

The move to require folic acid in corn masa aims to particularly benefit Latina women, who are less likely to take it early on in pregnancy, according to public health data released by the state. —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

Even so, teen pregnancy rates in Latin America and the Caribbean remain higher than in any other region of the world except Africa. —Manuela Castro, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026

Nick Loftin and his wife, Taylor, announced her pregnancy on March 22. —Lisa Gutierrez march 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 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