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.
While at yogurt maker Chobani’s emerging food incubator in 2016, Mares learned how the brand’s billionaire founder Hamdi Ulukaya struggled after bringing in outside investors that didn’t really value the company’s unique culture and standards. Chloe Sorvino, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 In 2012, Digg’s brand and website were acquired by tech incubator Betaworks for about $500,000. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025 It is still often described as an incubator for radical Islamists. Reuters, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 Chess became an incubator for not only Chicago blues, but early rock ‘n’ roll and other genres as well. Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025 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 14 Mar. 2025.

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

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