vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

Examples of vial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the city’s police department jail, a paramedic drew Hampton’s blood into three vials. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

The United States has more than 1,400 manufacturing sites that are designed to finish medications into a pill, capsule or liquid vial, conduct quality control or complete packaging and labeling. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Some arrive in sterile-looking vials, often promoted by fitness influencers. — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Providing a patient with additional vials of antivenom is dependent on several factors, which include the swelling of the bite area, the patient’s pain level and blood work results, Vohra said. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fiole, viole, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin fiola, alteration of Latin phiala — more at phial

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vial

• denial
• mistrial
• posttrial
• pretrial
• retrial
• dial
• rial
• thiol
• trial
• sensorial

Kids Definition

vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small container (as for medicines) made usually of glass or plastic

Medical Definition

vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

called also phial