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

Universities and entrepreneurs may test ideas through payload opportunities, incubators and international research collaborations. — Shelli Brunswick, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

In June, it was announced that ERL would be splitting from Dover Street Market’s incubator program. — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Those years became an incubator of offensive ideas, pulling leaves from different branches of the scheme and adding plays and ideas to the binder that would soon blossom in Philadelphia. — Zach Berman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

MedShare recently sent two shipments to Ivory Coast that included baby warmers, incubators and birthing beds for three hospitals. — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 9 Sep. 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