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

The image of Perfidia swollen deep in her pregnancy, firing off an automatic machine gun, says it all. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025

Some plastic surgery eventually followed, including a breast augmentation after her first pregnancy, as well as liposuction on her tummy and flanks after her third, the 38-year- old reveals. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 24 Nov. 2025

Animal lovers can keep updated on the pregnancy journey through the National Zoo's social media accounts. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

In one study, 32 women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy were given chlorella supplements (6 grams per day) for 12–18 weeks. —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 24 Nov. 2025

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