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.
Initially, Jacquelyn took Reed to a nearby emergency room, where she was treated with 30 vials of antivenom. Greta Cross, USA Today, 25 May 2025 The idea of purple was inspired by the vial of potion, the youth serum. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 19 May 2025 Holt, the investigator, wrote that lot numbers from the four vials of midazolam matched missing vials from the Station 4 narcotics box. Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 19 May 2025 Get a travel version of your favorite scent: Find a smaller vial of your go-to scent, or a refillable pump that the brand might sell. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 17 May 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 3 Jun. 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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