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

Talm was founded in 2021 as a skin care brand for women during pregnancy and postpartum. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026

The unplanned nature of then-36-year-old Price’s pregnancy, though, meant her 2017 season was off the table. — Tilly Berendt, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Ninety-two of the infants were first exposed to the pain medicine in utero before 17 weeks of pregnancy, 67 were first exposed after 17 weeks, and 143 were born to mothers who had not used the drug. — Nancy Lapid, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Rx Kids provides mothers with US$1,500 during pregnancy and families with babies with $500 a month until the baby’s first birthday. — Mona Hanna, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 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