family way

noun

Definition of family waynext
as in pregnancy
the state of containing unborn young within the body noticing the telltale bump, we guessed that she was in the family way again

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of family way The family way of basketball spread to Turgeon’s son Will, who grew up in Wichita and on the courts his father coached on. — Pj Green march 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026 That was the family way, as Schadt’s great-grandfather, Jacob Heitzman, started the place in 1891. — Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Jan. 2026 One thing that the proud mom believes helped propel her son to success was the Cochran family way, coined by her father in a book. — Abigail Adams, PEOPLE.com, 9 Feb. 2022 The devastation of the accident affected my family way beyond 1979. — Jonathon Berlin, sun-sentinel.com, 21 May 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for family way
  1. pregnancy
  2. gestation
Noun
  • Beyond baby, this walking pad has been a lifesaver throughout my pregnancy so far, and the same goes for these face masks from Biodance.
    — Irina Grechko, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Twenty years after an affair and unconfirmed pregnancy, Michael discovers Renee’s son is dating his daughter.
    — Joe Otterson, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of pregnancy
Noun
  • Functional connectivity in the fetal brain develops substantially later in gestation, with measurable differences in brain activity and facial responses to noxious versus innocuous stimulation appearing at approximately 33 weeks.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The issues started after the couple’s twins, Frank V and Evelyn, were born April 10 at only 29 weeks’ gestation.
    — Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of gestation

Browse Nearby Words

family trees
family way
famine
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Cite this Entry

“Family way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/family%20way. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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