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

Her husband, Adam Katz, has also worked with the New Museum for a decade as an advisor for NEW INC, the museum’s art and technology incubator. — Gabriella Angeleti, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

Aside from the peeling of the waterproof coating, the reflecting pool has been plagued by an algae bloom, a persistent problem due to Washington’s high heat during the summer and the pool’s shallow depth, which creates an ideal biological incubator. — Philip Wang, Time, 6 July 2026

Carrot Dog first popped up in 2019 at pop-up incubator We Suki Suki, later at the Window, and has recently moved into a permanent space at Pittsburgh Yards. — Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 1 July 2026

But Hernon also has a long relationship with NEW INC, the New York City based New Museum’s talent incubator for artists working in design, technology, entrepreneurship and culture. — Benjamin Wolff, Forbes.com, 29 June 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