incubation

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən 

ˌin-

1

: the act or process of incubating

2

: incubation period

Examples of incubation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Of course, there were also a raft of advisers, mentors, coaches who want to get paid for assisting in navigating the choppy waters of incubation. —Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025

An important manifestation of our professional leadership is the cultivation and incubation of professional talents. —Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025

For example, our Dublin team can build on Manila’s ideas while Austin sleeps, giving concepts a critical 24-hour incubation cycle. —Craig Crisler, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025

Its business incubation program, with over 300 graduates to date, gives food and beverage entrepreneurs a way to test, scale and develop their products before investing in their own facilities. —Dawn Thilmany, The Conversation, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing incubation

• incubation period

Rhymes for incubation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

incubation

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən 

ˌin-

1

: the act or process of incubating

2

: incubation period

Medical Definition

incubation

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən, ˌin- 

1

: the act or process of incubating

2

: incubation period

incubational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective