1. the period of development in the womb from conception to birth; pregnancy
Usage: biological/medical
2. the process of developing or forming an idea, plan, or project over time
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The gestation period for elephants is about 22 months.
• Human gestation typically lasts nine months.
• The mare’s gestation was proceeding normally.
• The novel was in gestation for several years before publication.
• The new policy underwent a long gestation process.
• After months of gestation, the business plan was finally ready.
• The gestation of this scientific theory took decades.