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.
For Confesor, the fear that had dominated her pregnancy began to lift. — Maria Santana, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026 This Culturelle women’s probiotic supplement is safe to use during pregnancy. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 Some types of feta are made from unpasteurized milk, and should be avoided during pregnancy. — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026 In Nepal, cuts to nutrition and reproductive outreach programs have already increased pregnancy complications and deaths, according to health workers, government officials, aid workers and families interviewed by the AP. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 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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