pregnancy

noun

preg·​nan·​cy ˈpreg-nən(t)-sē How to pronounce pregnancy (audio)
plural pregnancies
1
: the quality of being pregnant (as in meaning)
2
: the condition of being pregnant : gestation
3
: an instance of being pregnant

Examples of pregnancy in a Sentence

an elephant's pregnancy can last almost a year
Recent Examples on the Web The two-drug regimen is used to end a pregnancy through 10 weeks gestation. CBS News, 19 Mar. 2024 She isn’t portrayed as the kind of sleek careerist or hard-living hot mess that is usually the sort to have their world turned upside-down by a surprise pregnancy in Hollywood films. Catherine Bray, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024 Protecting nonviable in vitro embryos raises questions about contraception that prevents implantation – like some IUDs, the devices placed inside a uterus to prevent pregnancy. Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Mar. 2024 Research suggests that genetics play a role in a child developing ADHD, as well as other factors, including premature birth, low birth weight, lead poisoning, brain injuries and use of alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024 Signs of a Period, but No Period Having period symptoms but no period might be a sign of pregnancy. Anthea Levi, Health, 16 Mar. 2024 The couple announced their pregnancy before their engagement, sparking rumors about a potential secret wedding that were confirmed shortly after. Grace Smith, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 Choline during pregnancy can have the following potential benefits: Baby brain development. Casey Seiden, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 This is her third pregnancy; the last two ended in miscarriage. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pregnancy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near pregnancy

Cite this Entry

“Pregnancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pregnancy. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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