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
About 1,000 mg of iron is required during gestation and the postpartum period to support fetal growth and development and an increase in maternal blood volume.
—
Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026
In 2007 researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute reportedly spotted a wild Graneledone boreopacifica octopus off the coast of California who went on to stay with her eggs for a record-breaking four-plus years—an even longer gestation than that of the alpine salamander.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 May 2026
Bongos have a gestation period of nine months, a factor that has negatively impacted their slow population growth.
—ABC News, 9 May 2026
Flack’s career took a commercial downturn after the difficult gestation of Feel Like Makin’ Love, but the album is uncompromising and inspired.
—Al Shipley, SPIN, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for gestation
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Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026
In 2007 researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute reportedly spotted a wild Graneledone boreopacifica octopus off the coast of California who went on to stay with her eggs for a record-breaking four-plus years—an even longer gestation than that of the alpine salamander.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 May 2026
Bongos have a gestation period of nine months, a factor that has negatively impacted their slow population growth.
—ABC News, 9 May 2026
Flack’s career took a commercial downturn after the difficult gestation of Feel Like Makin’ Love, but the album is uncompromising and inspired.
—Al Shipley, SPIN, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for gestation
Cite this Entry
“Gestation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestation. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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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