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

Tapia is a 2020 graduate of the Alchemist Microenterprise Academy (AMA), an incubator designed to help budding food entrepreneurs build the knowledge and skills to launch their businesses. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Idealab was one of the first startup incubators when it was launched back in 1996. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Yet despite these challenges, jeans remain a cornerstone of consumers’ wardrobes, a creative canvas for emerging designers and an incubator for innovation. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

The incubator for innumerable cultural innovations and political breakthroughs, from the lowrider to fitness culture, skating to the California burrito, gay rights, immigrant rights, disability rights. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 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