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

Some fancy restaurants hand out granola on the way out the door; Kahn often presented a small vial of his own fragrance. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024

The sample is placed in a protective vial and stored at a CDFW facility to be later shipped to the University of Nebraska lab of Robert Wilson, an expert in the genetics of game birds. —Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2024

Each vial is filled with a concentrated concoction of hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C, and Bifidus prebiotic, the star ingredient that supports the skin’s moisture barrier and soothes any irritation. —Allure, 20 Nov. 2024

So this is — one of the makeup vials that were recovered from inside one of the bags in the F-150. —Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 16 Nov. 2024

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

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