gestation

noun

ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce gestation (audio)
1
: the carrying of young in the uterus (see uterus sense 1) : pregnancy
2
: conception (see conception sense 3) and development especially in the mind
gestational adjective

Examples of gestation in a Sentence

the gestation of new ideas The book has been in gestation for a long time.
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.
Up to 39% of pregnant women experience pregnancy rhinitis, typically appearing between the 13th and 21st week of gestation. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 Those who aren’t yet showing are awarded special medallions as proof of gestation. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 Fact checked by Sarah Scott By 39 or 40 weeks gestation, most pregnant people are exhausted, uncomfortable, and ready to get that baby out of there. Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024 Elephant gestation period longer than any living mammal Save the Elephants. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for gestation

Word History

Etymology

Latin gestation-, gestatio, from gestare to bear, frequentative of gerere to bear

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gestation was in 1615

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Cite this Entry

“Gestation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestation. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

gestation

noun
ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce gestation (audio)
: the carrying of young in the uterus : pregnancy

Medical Definition

gestation

noun
ges·​ta·​tion je-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce gestation (audio)
1
: the carrying of young in the uterus from conception to delivery : pregnancy
2
gestational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gestation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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