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 range, called Andrew Fitzsimons Hair, originally debuted in 2022 in partnership with Maesa — which also makes Ashley Tisdale’s Being Frenshe and Kristin Ess Hair — though Fitzsimons bought it from the incubator in 2024. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026

After participating in Lagos Fashion Week’s Green Access, an incubator for young designers, Essrhir took some time away to perfect her craft. — Ezreen Benissan, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

In its heyday, The Yard was a garden of not only restaurants but retail as well, an incubator for emerging businesses. — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

Other Caller alumni suggested to Semafor that the recent pivot could threaten what in the last decade has become an important talent pipeline and incubator for the right. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 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