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.
When a person is immunized during pregnancy, the risk of symptomatic disease fell by 44% in their newborns up to 6 months old. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The team parted ways with Meila Brewer on Wednesday, and Ellie Bravo-Young also announced her pregnancy, leaving the team a couple players short defensively through the stretch run this season. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 Isaiah explains that sharing their pregnancy losses and fertility struggles publicly felt like their purpose. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 The flu vaccine is also recommended during pregnancy, but pregnant people should avoid the nasal spray version, according to the recommendations. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 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 6 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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