pregnant

adjective

preg·​nant ˈpreg-nənt How to pronounce pregnant (audio)
1
: containing a developing embryo, fetus, or unborn offspring within the body : gravid
2
3
: rich in significance or implication
the pregnant phrases of the BibleEdmund Wilson
a pregnant pause
4
: having possibilities of development or consequence : involving important issues : momentous
draw inspiration from the heroic achievements of that pregnant ageKemp Malone
5
: abounding in fancy, wit, or resourcefulness : inventive
all this has been said … by great and pregnant artistsThe Times Literary Supplement (London)
6
archaic : cogent
7
obsolete : inclined, disposed
your own most pregnant and vouchsafed earWilliam Shakespeare
pregnantly adverb

Examples of pregnant in a Sentence

She got pregnant soon after her marriage. There was a pregnant pause before the winner was announced.
Recent Examples on the Web The early scenes of Babes have a sketch-comedy feel, but the film eventually coalesces around a real narrative when Eden gets pregnant after a one-night stand with a struggling actor (Stephen James). Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024 Some of them were pregnant, some of them much different sizes and shapes. Jason Sheeler, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 For unvaccinated people who are pregnant, measles infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight. Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024 The album would become notorious for his decision to record at the sprawling bungalow on 10050 Cielo Drive, the house where a pregnant Sharon Tate and five other people were murdered on August 8, 1969 by Charles Manson’s followers. Adam Steiner, SPIN, 8 Mar. 2024 Within eight weeks of being sold, Chae-ran became pregnant. Jessie Yeung, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 Emperor Nero’s first wife and his mother were murdered on his orders; Nero’s second wife was kicked to death while pregnant. Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024 The Neon comedy follows Eden (Glazer), who gets pregnant from a one-night stand and seeks help from Dawn (Michelle Buteau), a married mother of two. Selome Hailu, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 Infants are most at risk, physicians said, because of the burden war places on pregnant women and new mothers. Hajar Harb, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin praegnant-, praegnans carrying a fetus, alteration of praegnas, from prae- pre- + -gnas (akin to gignere to give birth to) — more at kin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 6

Time Traveler
The first known use of pregnant was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pregnant

Cite this Entry

“Pregnant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pregnant. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pregnant

adjective
preg·​nant ˈpreg-nənt How to pronounce pregnant (audio)
1
: containing a developing embryo, fetus, or unborn offspring within the body
2
: full of meaning
a pregnant pause
pregnantly adverb

Medical Definition

pregnant

adjective
preg·​nant ˈpreg-nənt How to pronounce pregnant (audio)
: containing a developing embryo, fetus, or unborn offspring within the body : gestating, gravid

More from Merriam-Webster on pregnant

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