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

Across its portfolio, art and design are woven into the retail landscape — serving as both inspiration and incubation platforms for emerging artists, students and next-generation creatives, while reinforcing the distinct identity of each destination. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 25 Mar. 2026

That intimate setup suits the candid subject matter of the new record, whose incubation—and attendant health scare—is among the topics explored in Philip Sherburne’s recent profile, Bill Callahan Laughs at Death. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026

Heath said the partnerships between companies and the campus, plus the new facilities, will result in collaborative research, startup incubation, workforce development and education, and unique learning and engagement opportunities for students. —Milla Surjadi, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026

His stage presence, however, needed no incubation. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 Mar. 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