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

• gestation

Examples of pregnancy in a Sentence

an elephant's pregnancy can last almost a year

Recent Examples on the Web

Multiple medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, sued Kennedy and the Department of Health and Human Services in July over changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and during pregnancy. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2025

Redmond-Zellers had been told to stay away from drugs during her pregnancy but disregarded that advice, officials said. —Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2025

Take, for example, a recent Food and Drug Administration panel on the use of antidepressants during pregnancy, which alarmed experts by amplifying the risks of these medications while downplaying the dangers of untreated mental health conditions during pregnancy. —Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025

Research shows that depression during pregnancy doesn't resolve. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 5 Aug. 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