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
Republicans reacted to progressive primary wins during the first Trump term by warning that the Democratic Party was an incubator for socialism.
—
David Weigel, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
For decades, the Sundance Institute’s Directors and Screenwriters Labs have been incubators for visionary talent—especially for Black women whose stories might not have found a home elsewhere.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 19 June 2025
In its place is an intimate testament to the foundations of country, bluegrass and folk music that has served as a de facto incubator for some truly prominent names to come out of the genres over the last few years.
—Chris Barilla, People.com, 18 June 2025
Today, university incubators like the CED are commonplace.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for incubator
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David Weigel, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
For decades, the Sundance Institute’s Directors and Screenwriters Labs have been incubators for visionary talent—especially for Black women whose stories might not have found a home elsewhere.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 19 June 2025
In its place is an intimate testament to the foundations of country, bluegrass and folk music that has served as a de facto incubator for some truly prominent names to come out of the genres over the last few years.
—Chris Barilla, People.com, 18 June 2025
Today, university incubators like the CED are commonplace.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for incubator
Cite this Entry
“Incubator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubator. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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