pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē How to pronounce pregnancy (audio)
plural pregnancies
Synonyms of pregnancynext
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

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Examples of pregnancy in a Sentence

an elephant's pregnancy can last almost a year
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 2026 Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome Guideline now explicitly recognizes pregnancy complications, as well as premature menopause, as one of the factors that can inform personalized prevention. — Sadiya S. Khan, Time, 26 Oct. 2026 That matters not just during that pregnancy, but across the life course. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026 Tell all your doctors about your mental health, pregnancy, heart and period history. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 26 Oct. 2026 That matters because so much about why pregnancies end, or never begin, is still unknown. — Katherine Pukinskis, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pregnancy

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pregnancy was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing pregnancy

Browse Nearby Words

pregnance
pregnancy
pregnancy test
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Cite this Entry

“Pregnancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pregnancy. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pregnancy

noun
preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē How to pronounce pregnancy (audio)
plural pregnancies
: the condition of being pregnant : gestation

Medical Definition

pregnancy

noun
preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən-sē How to pronounce pregnancy (audio)
plural pregnancies
1
: the condition of being pregnant
2
: an instance of being pregnant

More from Merriam-Webster on pregnancy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pregnancy

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