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

About 370,000 babies were born at 37 weeks’ gestation or earlier last year, according to the report. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024

Abortions are legal up to 15 weeks' gestation in Arizona. —Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Pregnant females at 32 to 36 weeks’ gestation can take Pfizer’s Abrysvo vaccine which will confer protection for the baby against severe infection and hospitalization from RSV for up to six months. —Omer Awan, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Inducing labor at such an early gestation would then by nature end the pregnancy. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 23 Oct. 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