ENGLISH
REFERENCE

expecting

v. · adj. · n.
US //ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ// UK //ɛkspˈɛktɪŋ// ex·pect·ing
  1. 1 anticipating something (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    thinking or believing that something will happen soon.

    anticipating a future event or arrival based on probability or a previous arrangement.

    Example

    We are expecting a heavy storm later this afternoon, so stay inside.

    Example

    The analysts were expecting a significant rise in market volatility following the central bank's announcement, though the actual reaction was surprisingly muted.
  2. 2 pregnant (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to say that a woman is going to have a baby.

    pregnant; used as a predicative adjective to describe a woman or couple awaiting the birth of a child.

    Example

    They just announced that they are expecting their first child in June.

    Example

    The company provides additional health benefits for expecting mothers to ensure they receive proper prenatal care throughout their term.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 the act of waiting (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Literary

    the act or state of waiting for something to happen.

    the state or process of anticipation or waiting for a predicted outcome.

    Example

    After hours of expecting, the news finally arrived.

    Example

    The long years of expecting had worn down his patience, leaving him cynical about the eventual arrival of the inheritance.

© 2026 English Reference