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.
Buyers who go for this option can choose between glowing plastic tubes that need to be recharged by exposure to bright light, or vials of slightly radioactive(!) tritium, which doesn't require charging. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2025 The huffing of the vial of ether — was that always in the scene? Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2025 Participants receive four single-dose vials per month. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025 What To Know In a video shared on X, formerly Twitter, by the account American AF, Kennedy can be seen on an airplane adding blue liquid from a vial into his water. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vial. Accessed 4 Apr. 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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