vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

Examples of vial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After receiving approval from an ethics review board, getting informed consent from Friede, and supplying him with documents about the dangers of snake venom, the team collected two vials of Friede’s blood. —Katherine Bourzac, Scientific American, 7 May 2025

Compared to the larger diffusers, which can alternate between two scents, this device holds one fragrance vial at a time, which can be easily swapped out depending on your mood. —Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 5 May 2025

Customers who buy a month's supply of 2.5 mg vials will pay $349, and 5 mg vials will cost $499. —Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025

Prices vary by dose, and the highest-strength vials are not available through the program. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fiole, viole, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin fiola, alteration of Latin phiala — more at phial

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vial

• dial
• rial
• thiol
• trial
• denial
• mistrial
• posttrial
• pretrial
• retrial
• sensorial
• supervisorial

Kids Definition

vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small container (as for medicines) made usually of glass or plastic

Medical Definition

vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

called also phial