gestate

verb

ges·​tate ˈje-ˌstāt How to pronounce gestate (audio)
gestated; gestating

transitive verb

1
: to carry in the uterus during pregnancy
2
: to conceive and gradually develop in the mind

intransitive verb

: to be in the process of gestation

Examples of gestate in a Sentence

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.
This film has been gestating at Laika for 16 years, finally starting production in 2021, and now having its world premiere today at the London Film Festival. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026 At the moment, three of his signature movies are simultaneously being resurrected — one by another famous Steven, as in Spielberg — while a fourth project based on an ex-wife’s memoir continues to gestate as either a possible drama or documentary. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026 Crystal Lake October 15, Peacock After a tumultuous production that saw the departure of original showrunner Bryan Fuller (Hannibal), this long-gestating prequel is finally almost here, now led by showrunner Brad Caleb Kane. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026 The film ends with Sally and Gary happily in love, which begs a question that’s been gestating for 28 years — doesn’t that slap him with a death sentence? — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gestate

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from gestation

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gestate was in 1858

Rhymes for gestate

See All Rhymes for gestate

Browse Nearby Words

gestapo
gestate
gestation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gestate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gestate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

gestate

verb
ges·​tate ˈjes-ˌtāt How to pronounce gestate (audio)
gestated; gestating

transitive verb

: to carry in the uterus during pregnancy

intransitive verb

: to be in the process of gestation
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