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 airline deemed her too far along in her pregnancy to board her flight back home to England. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Common wisdom also held that birthmarks were caused by the mother’s experience during pregnancy. — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 Research suggests prolonged exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy may increase the risk of certain complications. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 It’s often deployed in monitoring the development of a fetus during pregnancy and can have diagnostic uses as well. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 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 9 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of pregnancy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pregnancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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