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

Smekkleysa was born as a fledgling incubator, giving experimental musicians a space to, well, explore. — Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

There are several different development pathways a startup can take, from venture funding to partnerships to joining incubators and accelerators, which formed as a way to provide resources and support to burgeoning companies apart from capital. — Charlotte Hu, Time, 18 Aug. 2026

Leigh Winters Silberstein is now vice president of product development and marketing at Farmacy founder David Chung’s contract manufacturers/beauty incubator, ILabs. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026

Photo Of The Week Doors Opening – The winners of the Locarno Film Festival’s project and incubator initiatives First Look, Alliance 4 Development and Open Doors gather to celebrate. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026

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