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

Research from BabyCenter, an online media company that provides information on conception, pregnancy, and birth, has found that childcare consistently tops the list of first-year baby expenses. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 3 May 2026

Ali said her traumatic delivery experience led her to raise awareness of the discrimination black women face during pregnancy, childbirth, and other medical treatments. —Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026

While many did travel, the surprising increase occurred in Florida women using medication from out-of-state telehealth providers to end their pregnancies. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026

Mifepristone was approved in 2000 as a safe and effective way to end early pregnancies. —Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

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