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

Their importance as incubators of leaders in business, education, medicine and other fields is undeniable. —Essence, 13 Nov. 2025

The platform, best described as part creative incubator and part distribution hub, is designed for the mobile attention economy without sacrificing substance or style. —Partner Content, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025

The first great Delta bluesman learned music on the Dockery Plantation, a legendary blues incubator. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025

Stripe was one of tech incubator Y Combinator’s breakout companies, and in 2015, Patrick Collison introduced Brockman to Altman, who was president of Y Combinator at the time. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

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