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
On average, cats can have about three litters per year since their gestation period lasts only two months.
—
Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 27 July 2024
With Iowa, eighteen states in total will laws banning nearly all abortions prior to six weeks gestation.
—Jason Clayworth, Axios, 25 July 2024
Data from the report showed in 2022, the five leading causes of all infant deaths were the same as those in 2021 including congenital malformations, disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), unintentional injuries and maternal complications.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 July 2024
The report defines extreme preterm birth as when a baby is born before reaching 28 weeks gestation.
—Ruth Cronin, The Enquirer, 11 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for gestation 
Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 27 July 2024
With Iowa, eighteen states in total will laws banning nearly all abortions prior to six weeks gestation.
—Jason Clayworth, Axios, 25 July 2024
Data from the report showed in 2022, the five leading causes of all infant deaths were the same as those in 2021 including congenital malformations, disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), unintentional injuries and maternal complications.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 July 2024
The report defines extreme preterm birth as when a baby is born before reaching 28 weeks gestation.
—Ruth Cronin, The Enquirer, 11 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for gestation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gestation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Gestation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestation. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
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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