gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən 

1

: the carrying of young in the uterus (see uterus sense 1) : pregnancy

2

: conception (see conception sense 3) and development especially in the mind

gestational

je-ˈstā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• family way
• gravidity
• pregnancy

Examples of gestation in a Sentence

the gestation of new ideas

The book has been in gestation for a long time.

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, the ability to suppress or filter out stimuli—a function that individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or attention deficit disorder struggle with—develops in the brain as early as 16 weeks of gestation, per Wisner. —Daliah Singer, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024

In 2019, about 93% of abortions occurred at or before 13 weeks of gestation. —Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 6 Oct. 2024

Panda fetuses are typically too small to be seen on an ultrasound, so pregnancy is often not confirmed until late into the gestation period or after the baby is born. —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024

Considerations for premature babies Babies born before 37 weeks gestation are considered premature. —Heather Corley, Parents, 2 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin gestation-, gestatio, from gestare to bear, frequentative of gerere to bear

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən 

: the carrying of young in the uterus : pregnancy

Medical Definition

gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən 

1

: the carrying of young in the uterus from conception to delivery : pregnancy

2

: gestation period

gestational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective