gestation
noun
ges·ta·tion
je-ˈstā-shən 
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
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
Scientists still do not know the exact frequency of whale shark pregnancies, how long gestation lasts, or how often individual females reproduce.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Fetal deaths after 24 weeks’ gestation have been declining steadily since 1990, according to a CDC report last year.
—Elizabeth Cohen, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2025
This Week Trump's Attack on Zelensky Backfires Denial of pregnancy is a condition that affects approximately 1 in 475 pregnant people at the 20 weeks of gestation mark and 1 in 2,500 by the time of delivery.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Note: For hospitalizations involving a pregnancy loss between 13 weeks’ gestation and the end of the 21st week.
—Lizzie Presser, ProPublica, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gestation
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Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Fetal deaths after 24 weeks’ gestation have been declining steadily since 1990, according to a CDC report last year.
—Elizabeth Cohen, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2025
This Week Trump's Attack on Zelensky Backfires Denial of pregnancy is a condition that affects approximately 1 in 475 pregnant people at the 20 weeks of gestation mark and 1 in 2,500 by the time of delivery.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Note: For hospitalizations involving a pregnancy loss between 13 weeks’ gestation and the end of the 21st week.
—Lizzie Presser, ProPublica, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gestation
Cite this Entry
“Gestation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestation. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gestation
noun
ges·ta·tion
je-ˈstā-shən
: the carrying of young in the uterus : pregnancy
Medical Definition
gestation
noun
ges·ta·tion
je-ˈstā-shən
1
: the carrying of young in the uterus from conception to delivery : pregnancy
2
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