conception
noun
con·cep·tion
kən-ˈsep-shən 
1
a(1)
: the process of becoming pregnant involving fertilization or implantation or both
b
: beginning
"Joy had the like conception in our eyes … "—
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare2
a
: the capacity, function, or process of forming or understanding ideas or abstractions or their symbols
He directed the project from conception to completion.
b
: a general idea : concept
We get the conception of an animal … by comparing different animals …—John Stuart Mill
John Stuart Mill
c
: a complex product of abstract or reflective thinking
the philosopher's conception of reality
d
: the sum of a person's ideas and beliefs concerning something
his conception of the American dream
3
: the originating of something in the mind
an artist's conception of how the city would look a hundred years from now
Synonyms
Examples of conception in a Sentence
He directed the project from conception to production.
the conception of a new device
They have a clear conception of how the process works.
a child's conception of responsibility
They have very different conceptions of the proper role of government.
Recent Examples on the Web
Louise has been a part of and shared her excitement over various depictions of her conception and birth, including Netflix's 2024 movie, Joy.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024
However, their tragic love story has formed the basis of our current cultural conception of chivalric love.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 Oct. 2024
If conception does not occur, the uterine lining (endometrial tissue) will break down and shed.
—Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Over their lifetime, children who didn’t consume much sugar during the first 1000 days of their lives — a period extending from their conception until their second birthday — lowered their risk of developing diabetes by 35 percent and hypertension by 20 percent.
—Saul Elbein, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for conception 
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Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024
However, their tragic love story has formed the basis of our current cultural conception of chivalric love.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 Oct. 2024
If conception does not occur, the uterine lining (endometrial tissue) will break down and shed.
—Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Over their lifetime, children who didn’t consume much sugar during the first 1000 days of their lives — a period extending from their conception until their second birthday — lowered their risk of developing diabetes by 35 percent and hypertension by 20 percent.
—Saul Elbein, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for conception
Dictionary Entries Near conception
Cite this Entry
“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conception. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
conception
noun
con·cep·tion
kən-ˈsep-shən
1
: the beginning of pregnancy involving formation of a zygote
2
a
: the function or process of conceiving ideas
b
: a general idea : concept
had no conception of what he was saying
3
: the originating of an idea
the conception of a new device
Medical Definition
conception
noun
con·cep·tion
kən-ˈsep-shən
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