incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbā-tər How to pronounce incubator (audio)
ˈin-
: one that incubates: such as
a
: an apparatus by which eggs are hatched artificially
b
: an apparatus with a chamber used to provide controlled environmental conditions especially for the cultivation of microorganisms or the care and protection of premature or sick babies
c
: an organization or place that aids the development of new business ventures especially by providing low-cost commercial space, management assistance, or shared services

Examples of incubator 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.
Returning for the fifth consecutive year is the incubator program SwimLab x WGSN, highlighting emerging brands Auto-reply, Kiwis by Carter, Sense and Soleil, and Nyud. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 1 May 2026 So right now, our little friend is in an incubator. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026 Both films underscore Annecy’s role as a long-term incubator for projects, having previously been presented at the festival as works-in-progress. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026 Lately, he’s been moonlighting as DJ Billybool, his Swedish-language Eurodance project, which has become an incubator for some of the most inspired and personal work of his career. Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incubator

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incubator was in 1857

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incubator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubator. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

incubator

noun
in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt-ər How to pronounce incubator (audio)
ˈin-
: one that incubates
especially : a piece of equipment providing suitable conditions (as of warmth and moisture) for incubating something
an incubator for premature babies

Medical Definition

incubator

noun
in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt-ər, ˈin- How to pronounce incubator (audio)
: one that incubates
especially : an apparatus with a chamber used to provide controlled environmental conditions especially for the cultivation of microorganisms or the care and protection of premature or sick babies

More from Merriam-Webster on incubator

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster