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

Broadway Babies and Kids (BBK), a performing arts school and leadership incubator in California, aims to address these challenges. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025

In a fractured world, the office has become an unexpected civic incubator. —Nino Paoli, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025

Positioned as an incubator, the lab focuses on rapid development of control strategies that improve efficiency without manual oversight. —Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Max Fouchy for Poush Since its inception in 2020, Poush, an incubator that represents a selection of 270 established and emerging artists, has been at the forefront of experimental design. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 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