adjective
Common
expecting
ihk-SPEHK-tihng
Expecting (adjective) means Pregnant. Example: “She is expecting her second child in the spring.”
adjective
1
Pregnant.
"She is expecting her second child in the spring."
"Are you expecting? Please take the seat by the window."
"My sister just told us she's expecting."
How to use expecting
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA common, slightly informal way to say someone is pregnant.
When to use it
Used both casually and in medical or formal contexts.
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Word forms
- Plural
- expectings
- Comparative
- more expecting
- Superlative
- most expecting
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She is _____ her second child in the spring.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for expecting
detecting
affecting
selecting
rejecting
projecting
collecting
reflecting
respecting
correcting
perfecting
dissecting
inspecting
See all rhymes for expecting →
Frequently asked questions
What does “expecting” mean?
The word “expecting” means pregnant. In plain terms, a common, slightly informal way to say someone is pregnant.
How do you pronounce “expecting”?
“Expecting” is pronounced ihk-SPEHK-tihng (/ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “expecting” in a sentence?
Here is “expecting” used in a sentence: “My sister just told us she's expecting.”
What is another word for “expecting”?
Words with a similar meaning to “expecting” include pregnant, enceinte, in a delicate situation and in the family way.
What part of speech is “expecting”?
“Expecting” is an adjective.
Is “expecting” a common word?
“Expecting” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'expecting' and 'pregnant'?
Both describe a woman carrying a baby, but 'expecting' is a softer, more indirect way to say it. 'Pregnant' is the plain medical term, while 'expecting' focuses on the coming arrival and is often felt to be gentler or more polite in everyday conversation.
Is 'expecting' a polite way to say pregnant?
Yes. 'Expecting' is one of the most common gentle expressions for pregnancy, alongside phrases like 'expecting a baby' or 'with child.' It emphasizes the happy anticipation of the birth rather than the physical condition, which makes it a warm, socially comfortable choice in both speech and writing.
What is an example of 'expecting' used this way?
You might say, 'Congratulations — I heard you're expecting!' or 'They're expecting their first child in the spring.' In each case, 'expecting' stands in for 'pregnant' without stating it directly, and the listener understands that a baby is on the way.
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