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

The exhibition puts designer Pierre-Olivier Persin’s bust of the creature alongside the syringes, vials and other medical paraphernalia from the mysterious Substance kit that sets the movie’s nightmare in motion. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

The star showed off a vial of her boyfriend’s blood attached to a chain. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026

Compounded drugs may come in vials where patients must measure their own doses with a syringe, which can lead to dosing mistakes, including overdoses. — Amber Gill, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Ancient mythology supplies the characters; Victorian adornment supplies some of the collection’s more curious accessories, including pill pendants, potion vials and keepsake holders. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 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