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

Matières Fécales is a new-ish label founded by Steven Raj Bhaskaran and Hannah Rose Dalton in early 2025 with the support of Dover Street Market, the incubator-cum-retailer arm of Comme des Garçons. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 4 Mar. 2026

The team identified an anchor grocer and a food incubator, brewpub and coffee roaster as potential elements of the new community. —John Aguilar, Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2026

The project includes 145 units of affordable and market-rate apartments, along with office space and a small business incubator. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026

The trio’s restaurant incubator transitioned into the tech platform inKind, which is a dual-sided marketplace for both consumers and restaurants. —Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 24 Feb. 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