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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Intravenous drugs are typically stored in vials until needed, at which point they're transferred to hypodermic needles. New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2024 Instead of its traditional injection pen products that cost more than $1,000 for a month’s supply, this product comes in vials that patients draw up and inject themselves. C. Michael White / The Conversation, Quartz, 21 Oct. 2024 Flashback: During the pandemic, clinics wasted millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses because they were packaged in multi-dose vials that providers couldn't use up. Maya Goldman, Axios, 15 Oct. 2024 The vials are available for self-pay through a Lilly program called LillyDirect, which facilitates access to doctors and shipping of medicines to patients. Meg Tirrell, CNN, 9 Oct. 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 15 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!