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

In a sense that’s true, as rather than continually being reinvested in Destiny, the profits were used for bizarre projects like a sprawling HQ in the COVID era, or herded into too many other incubation projects. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

The festival’s Three-Pillar system – SIFF Project for project incubation, SIFF ING for emerging filmmakers, and SIFF YOUNG for industry-facing talent development – now operates as a structured ladder from idea to international exposure. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 June 2026

And more recently in April, outdoor specialty retailer Backcountry acquired Coalatree for an undisclosed price as part of its new venture, the Backcountry Garage incubation platform. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 17 June 2026

The district started a small-business incubation program in March 2022 to fill some of its empty spaces with mixed results. — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2026

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