vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

Examples of vial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Inside the glass vial lies the successor to the French company’s award-winning hair tonic, amped up with research into how the scalp’s microbiome influences your locks. — Dan Michel, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2026

Scordo saw the pristine, clean lab equipment, the same unopened packages of vials and other supplies that had been there for months and the mountains of mail, some envelopes now spilled out onto the floor. — Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Since at least 1389, two vials purportedly containing the saint’s blood have been venerated in Naples because of their inexplicable ability to liquefy on his feast days. — Clare Whitton, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026

The company claimed the technology could eliminate the need for larger needles and multiple vials while making blood tests more affordable than conventional methods. — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for vial

• denial
• mistrial
• posttrial
• pretrial
• retrial
• dial
• rial
• thiol
• trial
• sensorial

Kids Definition

vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small container (as for medicines) made usually of glass or plastic

Medical Definition

vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

called also phial