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

The organization has assisted more than 400 small businesses since its launch through its community retail space, incubator program and monthly Buy Black Marketplace events. —Jessica Boehm, Axios, 21 Feb. 2025

While Sephora has put its weight behind its brand incubator, much larger retailers like Walmart and Target recently scaled back similar efforts focused on finding and funding more brands founded by people of color. —Melissa Repko, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025

What Arizonans should know about W2, 1099, tax forms Rural Arizonans could feel outsized burden of proposed Medicaid cuts Affordable apartments, small business incubator open in Glendale Contact real estate attorney Christopher A. Combs at [e-mail]. —Christopher A. Combs, The Arizona Republic, 21 Jan. 2025

The northeast Denver nonprofit launched the incubator in 2016, initially for a group of Mexican women living in the area to develop their business ideas and eventually welcomed women from Africa, Central America and the Middle East. —Miguel Otárola, The Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incubator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

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