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

• family way
• gestation
• gravidity

Examples of pregnancy in a Sentence

an elephant's pregnancy can last almost a year

Recent Examples on the Web

Experiencing maternity discrimination four months into her first pregnancy, and prohibited in meeting the three month appeal window due to pressing health concerns, Joeli’s frustration at limited access to justice available to those impacted birthed Pregnant then Screwed in 2015. —Lauren Coulman, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

The couple kept their pregnancy low-key before announcing their small bundle's arrival on Instagram. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Since announcing her pregnancy, Qualley has shared a few maternity pictures on her Instagram, including one of her and Wilson together. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024

More than 60% of abortions in the U.S. are medication abortions, meaning a person takes two drugs, often at home, to end a pregnancy. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 17 Dec. 2024

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