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 Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs, Mercy Culture’s back yard, have been a key incubator for this combative version of Christianity.
—
Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Tech pioneer adept at shifting gears Atom Power was co-founded in 2015 by Kouroussis and Ryan Kennedy as a UNC Charlotte incubator, a project that started at the college before spinning off its own company and moving to the Lake Norman area.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
Figure skating can be an incubator for eating disorders, especially in young women.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
But Sista was the incubator for Missy’s frank, explicit approach to sexuality, and for her style of songwriting and production, informed by the moods of the 90s Black girl group—a mysterious sensuality that paired sublimely with the cool of an around-the-way homegirl.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incubator
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Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Tech pioneer adept at shifting gears Atom Power was co-founded in 2015 by Kouroussis and Ryan Kennedy as a UNC Charlotte incubator, a project that started at the college before spinning off its own company and moving to the Lake Norman area.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
Figure skating can be an incubator for eating disorders, especially in young women.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
But Sista was the incubator for Missy’s frank, explicit approach to sexuality, and for her style of songwriting and production, informed by the moods of the 90s Black girl group—a mysterious sensuality that paired sublimely with the cool of an around-the-way homegirl.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incubator
Cite this Entry
“Incubator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubator. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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