incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbā-tər 

ˈin-

: one that incubates: such as

a

: an apparatus by which eggs are hatched artificially

b

: an apparatus with a chamber used to provide controlled environmental conditions especially for the cultivation of microorganisms or the care and protection of premature or sick babies

c

: an organization or place that aids the development of new business ventures especially by providing low-cost commercial space, management assistance, or shared services

Examples of incubator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another photo showed the twins in an incubator together. —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024

Three decades since its humble beginnings, the festival continues to position itself as a key incubator of regional talent with a dash of Hollywood glamor — a place to discover new voices and revisit old favorites, which has been the festival’s calling card since day one. —Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 14 Aug. 2024

Wilson and Pounder kicked off their incubator with a $150,000 total investment in six startups, including Numinar, their first investment. —Jacob Wendler, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

Its success proves Substack can become an incubator for full newsrooms. —Sara Fischer, Axios, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt-ər 

ˈin-

: one that incubates

especially : a piece of equipment providing suitable conditions (as of warmth and moisture) for incubating something

an incubator for premature babies

Medical Definition

incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt-ər, ˈin- 

: one that incubates

especially : an apparatus with a chamber used to provide controlled environmental conditions especially for the cultivation of microorganisms or the care and protection of premature or sick babies