incubation

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən 

ˌin-

1

: the act or process of incubating

2

: incubation period

Examples of incubation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The male typically takes over incubation duties in the day and the female takes the night shift, so both birds are needed to have a successful hatching. — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 4 May 2026

But several factors might influence the length of incubation. — Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 13 May 2026

The district started a small-business incubation program in March 2022 to fill some of its empty spaces with mixed results. — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2026

The Moroccan filming facility will also include a training and talent incubation hub, as well as a hotel complex intended to host both national and international production teams. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing incubation

• incubation period

Rhymes for incubation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

incubation

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən 

ˌin-

1

: the act or process of incubating

2

: incubation period

Medical Definition

incubation

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən, ˌin- 

1

: the act or process of incubating

2

: incubation period

incubational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective