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 Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal includes significant cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, raising concerns about America’s future competitiveness—and the future of higher education institutions that serve as critical incubators of innovation. Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 Founded in 1968 and absorbed into the Whitney in the early 1980s, the ISP has long served as a renowned incubator for artists, curators, and critics. News Desk, Artforum, 22 May 2025 Essentially, the new luxury group is intended to serve as an incubator for brand growth through strategic licensing agreements and distribution channels across fashion, retail, digital, hospitality, real estate, art and travel, according to the joint venture. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 21 May 2025 The department said that Stefan, the 1-month-old, is in an incubator because of weak health and Christopher, the 1-year-old, has been relocated to a sanctuary run by the agency. Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 16 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Incubator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubator. Accessed 25 May. 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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