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

With its powerful industries, tech giants, startups, and prestigious academic institutions, the state is positioned to be the perfect incubator for developing policies and programs for a thriving AI workforce. —Tarika Barrett, New York Daily News, 17 July 2024

This includes funding to draw more U.K. and European artists and designers into the Shein X designer incubator program, an initiative that enables talented, up-and-coming designers to commercialize their designs by partnering with Shein on manufacturing, marketing and logistics. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 9 July 2024

Applying to accelerator programs or incubators just got easier! —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 25 June 2024

The People’s Forum is a socialist organization that describes itself as a project incubator, according to Influence Watch. —Sam Faddis, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

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