incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbā-tər How to pronounce incubator (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Women hold the cradle of humanity in their bodies as incubators of life. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025 The more compelling question is how sincerely Serena and Joseph believe that their incubator town is the real future of their country and not just a one-off marketing gimmick. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025 Stauning was founded in 2005, but has only been getting more attention here in the U.S. over the last few years (its first American release was in 2023), which certainly had something to do with spirits incubator Distill Ventures’s involvement with the company. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2025 Running from April 4 to 9 in Doha, and then online from April 12 to 14, annual talent and project incubator Qumra will host the directors and producers of 49 works supported by Qatar‘s Doha Film Institute (DFI) in various stages of development and production. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incubator

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incubator was in 1857

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incubator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubator. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

incubator

noun
in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt-ər How to pronounce incubator (audio)
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- How to pronounce incubator (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on incubator

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