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 alert included detailed clinical guidance for managing measles exposures and cases during pregnancy as well as cases in newborns. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, studies suggest untreated ureaplasma may be linked to pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and miscarriage, and research points to a potential connection with fertility problems in both men and women. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Our study is the first to show that treating a woman’s depression during pregnancy may influence infant brain development. — Catherine Demers, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 Amid the surprises, the families also celebrated the joy of welcoming their babies, especially for Brady, who said the pregnancy came after two miscarriages. — Marlee Ginter, CBS News, 14 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 20 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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