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

The land was requisitioned a few years back, and the building was repurposed as the Liangzhu Youth Commune—one of the many incubators that have sprung up across the region. — Afra Wang, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2026

The garage has been converted into a medical and isolation ward equipped with incubators, oxygen machines, and supplies for treating wounds and administering fluids. — Meg Dunn, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Universities and entrepreneurs may test ideas through payload opportunities, incubators and international research collaborations. — Shelli Brunswick, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

In June, it was announced that ERL would be splitting from Dover Street Market’s incubator program. — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 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