vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vial (audio)
: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

Examples of vial 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.
Then, participants will again evaluate their vials and enter their decisions in a new form. Em Sauter, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 These could include the defense supply chain (steel, iron, aluminum, copper); medical industries (syringes, vials, etc.); and energy production (batteries, rare earths). Kelly Evans, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025 According to officials with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force, the tipster believed the products couldn’t be legitimate due to their unusually low prices: A 10-milligram vial of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, sold for about $100, for example, and a 15 mg vial costs $140. Aarne Heikkila, NBC News, 17 Dec. 2024 My first round of testing required nearly two dozen vials of blood, which could wipe you out for the day—so Function splits it into two separate appointments scheduled a week apart. Angela Haupt, TIME, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vial 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vial was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near vial

Cite this Entry

“Vial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vial. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

vial

noun
vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vial (audio)
: a small container (as for medicines) made usually of glass or plastic

Medical Definition

vial

noun
vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vial (audio)
: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

called also phial

More from Merriam-Webster on vial

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