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

There’s national legislation, but the states are incubators as well. —Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 4 Dec. 2025

Lote 23 Located in the heart of Santurce, Lote 23 is a collective of stalls, kiosks, and vendors that’s both a dining destination and a culinary incubator for budding local chefs. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 Dec. 2025

The Doha Film Institute is expanding its footprint as one of the Arab world’s most active talent incubators with new vocational training programs developed in partnership with France’s prestigious film school, La Fémis, and Gobelins Paris, the country’s leading animation school. —Essie Assibu, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025

Then, Chalhoub Group is investing in local and international luxury via its brand incubator, which has raised brand revenues fivefold over the last year. —Hyku Desesto, Vogue, 27 Nov. 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