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 new tech incubator Station DC is launching a membership club that aims to connect tech and policy players. —Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025

We’re honored and humbled to help ensure CHOP remains a magnet for the greatest medical talent, a refuge for those facing the most complex cases, an incubator for breakthrough treatments, a beacon of hope, and the pride of Philadelphia for decades to come. —Lauren Coates, Variety, 13 Mar. 2025

But beyond driving a lot of viewing time on the platform, the genre has also proven to be a very successful incubator for nurturing other original Netflix programming — movies, TV shows, a giant comedy festival, and, starting Wednesday, a weekly talk show starring John Mulaney. —Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025

While at yogurt maker Chobani’s emerging food incubator in 2016, Mares learned how the brand’s billionaire founder Hamdi Ulukaya struggled after bringing in outside investors that didn’t really value the company’s unique culture and standards. —Chloe Sorvino, Forbes, 9 Mar. 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