incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbā-tər 

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

Human rights organizations and medical volunteers have said that among the items being confiscated are incubators, ventilators and antibiotics. — Leila Fadel, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026

His career was jump started with early backing from incubator Entrepreneur First and VC firm LocalGlobe in 2019, and being awarded a Thiel Fellowship in 2022. — Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Kitchen 66—a business incubator that nurtured many of the stalls—is the heart of this concept. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026

Smekkleysa was born as a fledgling incubator, giving experimental musicians a space to, well, explore. — Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incubator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt-ər 

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- 

: 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