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

The pups are now receiving around-the-clock care and were placed in an incubator after their body temperatures were dangerously low, Outcast said on social media. —Joe Brandt, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025

Romee is the general manager of the GenAI Studio at the College Board, an incubator focused on responsible AI experimentation and literacy for educators, students, and employees. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 19 Dec. 2025

Wu points to Disney Accelerator, an incubator program where Disney works with emerging companies on new shows and formats, recently signing a partnership deal with DramaBox that could lead to a producing deal. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 18 Dec. 2025

Think of it as an incubator for local talent. —Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Dec. 2025

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