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.
There are also two slots for inserting optional vials of glow-in-the-dark tritium, to help find the multitool at night. Ben Coxworth july 13, New Atlas, 13 July 2025 Lilly sells vials of Zepbound to consumers through its online sales portal, LillyDirect. Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 7 July 2025 Some of the evidence found includes everyday objects believed to have belonged to Earhart: a woman’s shoe, a compact case, a medicine vial and a bottle of freckle concealer. Colson Thayer, People.com, 3 July 2025 Vaccines can become accidentally contaminated, as may occur with multiple needle punctures with multi-dose vials. Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 22 June 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 21 Jul. 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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