incubation

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce incubation (audio)
ˌin-
Synonyms of incubationnext
1
: the act or process of incubating
2

Examples of incubation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The male typically takes over incubation duties in the day and the female takes the night shift, so both birds are needed to have a successful hatching. Joan Morris, Mercury News, 4 May 2026 Alongside its investment, Hg brings significant operational resources to support AI development, including its AI product incubation program, Hg Catalyst, and other proprietary AI and data platforms. Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 1 May 2026 In creating this value loop from academic research to ecosystem deployment, Pharos is building a bridge between the university and its $10M global incubation program, which is designed to accelerate RWA and DeFi projects on the eponymous chain. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026 That’s building to withstand the rigors of an NFL season and also preparing for a future in which the quarterback is no longer on a rookie deal and the front line must be cheaper — but not without some incubation time in one of the league’s best offensive line development programs. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incubation

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of incubation was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incubation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubation. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

incubation

noun
in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce incubation (audio)
ˌin-
1
: the act or process of incubating
2

Medical Definition

incubation

noun
in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən, ˌin- How to pronounce incubation (audio)
1
: the act or process of incubating
2
incubational adjective
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