incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbā-tər 

ˈin-

: one that incubates: such as

a

: an apparatus by which eggs are hatched artificially

b

: an apparatus with a chamber used to provide controlled environmental conditions especially for the cultivation of microorganisms or the care and protection of premature or sick babies

c

: an organization or place that aids the development of new business ventures especially by providing low-cost commercial space, management assistance, or shared services

Examples of incubator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Schaumburg Economic Development Director Matt Frank said the idea of a business incubator was part of the village’s strategic plan to overcome economic setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. — Eric Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Re-center Metrics Around Commercial Progress Economic development agencies, incubators, and contest organizers should shift their evaluation models. — Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

That same pivot underpins a wider incubator-style model, from the BFC Mini MBA and business resilience programs to experiments in unlocking subsidized studio space via the patron network. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 29 July 2026

The cub was in critical condition and placed in an incubator. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incubator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt-ər 

ˈin-

: one that incubates

especially : a piece of equipment providing suitable conditions (as of warmth and moisture) for incubating something

an incubator for premature babies

Medical Definition

incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt-ər, ˈin- 

: one that incubates

especially : an apparatus with a chamber used to provide controlled environmental conditions especially for the cultivation of microorganisms or the care and protection of premature or sick babies