incubate
verb
in·cu·bate
ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt 
ˈin-
incubated; incubating
1
a
: to sit on (eggs) so as to hatch by the warmth of the body
b
: to maintain (something, such as an embryo or a chemically active system) under conditions favorable for hatching, development, or reaction
2
: to cause or aid the development of
incubate an idea
Examples of incubate in a Sentence
The female bird incubates the eggs.
Researchers incubated the cells in the laboratory.
The cultures must incubate for five more days.
The virus will incubate in the body for several days before the patient experiences any symptoms.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Sundance Institute, led by the oft and appropriately feted Michelle Satter, has done an incredible job of identifying and incubating filmmaking talent.
—
Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025
Since Jackie laid her first egg, the two eagles have taken turns incubating it.
—Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
Barry Diller’s company has become known for incubating businesses and then spinning them off.
—Michele Luhn, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, for the independent watchmakers incubated by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the novelties imagined by master watchmakers Enrico Barbasini and Michel Navas highlighted each brand’s forte.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for incubate 
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Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025
Since Jackie laid her first egg, the two eagles have taken turns incubating it.
—Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
Barry Diller’s company has become known for incubating businesses and then spinning them off.
—Michele Luhn, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, for the independent watchmakers incubated by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the novelties imagined by master watchmakers Enrico Barbasini and Michel Navas highlighted each brand’s forte.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for incubate
Dictionary Entries Near incubate
Cite this Entry
“Incubate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubate. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incubate
verb
in·cu·bate
ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt
ˈin-
incubated; incubating
1
: to sit on eggs to hatch them by warmth
2
: to maintain (as bacteria or a chemically active system) under conditions good for development or reaction
3
: to go through the process of incubation
Medical Definition
incubate
verb
in·cu·bate
ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt, ˈin-
incubated; incubating
1
: to maintain (as eggs, embryos of animals, or bacteria) under prescribed and usually controlled conditions favorable for hatching or development especially in an incubator
2
: to maintain (a chemically active system) under controlled conditions for the development of a reaction
: to undergo incubation
the cultures incubated for five days
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