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

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

Four of the competing titles this year were developed through the festival’s Atlas Workshops incubator, though Bonhomme stresses that participation in the program does not guarantee selection. —Ben Croll, Variety, 25 Nov. 2025

The organizers position HollyShorts as an incubator for short-form talent, and have been expanding the event’s international footprint. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 17 Nov. 2025

The panelists are artists Charo Oquet, María Martínez-Cañas and Asser Saint-Val —all artists Turner features in her book — along with Lori Mertes, executive director of incubator art space Locust Projects. —Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 14 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