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.
The excellent, nonprofit gallery and incubator known as PlatteForum has moved around a bit over the years, and will reopen in the Art District on Santa Fe starting June 5. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 May 2026 Newborns in incubators were transferred and doctors and nurses scrambled to find shelter amid fears the hospital would become the next casualty in Haiti’s escalating gang wars. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026 Mervis also has helped grow the Tulane Professional Basketball Negotiation Competition as a midseason retreat for NBA personnel, as well as an incubator for front-office talent. Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 14 May 2026 Backcountry Garage is the specialty retailers incubator platform. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 13 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Incubator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubator. Accessed 21 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

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