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

Rather than just helping to route funds, the government should set up incubation hubs, finance intervention programs, and arrange special visits by expert teams. — Eghosa E. Osaghae, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026

In addition to her management and producing work, Church-Cooper has served on the leadership committee for the Yes, And Laughter Lab, a nonprofit incubation lab and showcase dedicated to amplifying diverse comedic voices, since 2019. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026

After all, Locarno Pro also sees itself as a talent incubation and training platform. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026

Five teams out of eight made it through incubation, and more ventures survived, including the bread-to-feed company. — Clyde Eiríkur Hull, The Conversation, 23 July 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