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 Brian Hyde, its director of sales, told me last year that one donor’s 30 vials had sold in 30 seconds. Carolyn Wells, Longreads, 4 June 2024 The order for the doses to be filled into vials comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a growing number of human cases linked to the unprecedented outbreak of the virus in dairy cattle this year. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 31 May 2024 Wire together faux twigs and vines to form a handle, then add floral water vials to both sides of the basket to hold the tulips and tuck in faux wheatgrass. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2024 The vials were addressed to Trump, according to a person familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak about it publicly. Lisa Mascaro, TIME, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for vial 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near vial

Cite this Entry

“Vial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vial. Accessed 14 Jun. 2024.

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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