incubation

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce incubation (audio)
ˌin-
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.
Such heat shortens the parasite’s incubation time inside mosquitoes, increasing the odds of transmission. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 The grand prize included mentorship from the sustainable materials science company Pangaia, complimentary office space in London, and incubation by The Mills Fabrica. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Sep. 2025 All finalists gain access to potential Basque Country funding of up to €500,000 ($585,000) and free incubation space at regional innovation hubs. Callum McLennan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025 At the same time, Pop Mart is doubling down on new IP incubation. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Incubation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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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