gestate

verb

ges·​tate ˈje-ˌstāt How to pronounce gestate (audio)
gestated; gestating

transitive verb

1
: to carry in the uterus during pregnancy
2
: to conceive and gradually develop in the mind

intransitive verb

: to be in the process of gestation

Examples of gestate in a Sentence

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.
Now, Allen and Pride are on the cusp of seeing how this long-gestating idea will fare in the streaming world. — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 The distributor is also debuting long gestating Legend of the White Dragon as an event release for the three-day weekend and Wednesday, one showtime daily, on 596 screens. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026 Cox told me that the book had been gestating for more than a decade. — Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 Such effects can be subtle, long-gestating and offset for a time by exciting corporate growth in the here and now. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gestate

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from gestation

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gestate was in 1858

Rhymes for gestate

See All Rhymes for gestate

Browse Nearby Words

gestapo
gestate
gestation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gestate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestate. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

gestate

verb
ges·​tate ˈjes-ˌtāt How to pronounce gestate (audio)
gestated; gestating

transitive verb

: to carry in the uterus during pregnancy

intransitive verb

: to be in the process of gestation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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