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
Located near Venice, Italy, H-Farm began as a startup incubator and has evolved into an educational hub, serving over 3,000 students across high school and university levels.
—
Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
The episode allowed the Emmy-winning Max series to finally pay homage to the world’s biggest comedy fest, which for decades was a talent incubator and industry summer camp where deals were struck and comics like Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer and Quinta Brunson were discovered.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 5 May 2025
The Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal includes significant cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, raising concerns about America’s future competitiveness—and the future of higher education institutions that serve as critical incubators of innovation.
—Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Founded in 1968 and absorbed into the Whitney in the early 1980s, the ISP has long served as a renowned incubator for artists, curators, and critics.
—News Desk, Artforum, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for incubator
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.
Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
The episode allowed the Emmy-winning Max series to finally pay homage to the world’s biggest comedy fest, which for decades was a talent incubator and industry summer camp where deals were struck and comics like Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer and Quinta Brunson were discovered.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 5 May 2025
The Trump administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal includes significant cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, raising concerns about America’s future competitiveness—and the future of higher education institutions that serve as critical incubators of innovation.
—Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Founded in 1968 and absorbed into the Whitney in the early 1980s, the ISP has long served as a renowned incubator for artists, curators, and critics.
—News Desk, Artforum, 22 May 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 9 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share