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

Those years became an incubator of offensive ideas, pulling leaves from different branches of the scheme and adding plays and ideas to the binder that would soon blossom in Philadelphia. — Zach Berman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

That's why places like daycares or other school settings can be perfect incubators for measles outbreaks. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

School grounds can serve as incubators for diseases as students can remain in close contact for several hours at a time. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2026

That container is about the size of an infant incubator with gloves attached, and only has a small screen window to see through as staff manipulate the isolated devices, Campbell explained. — Morgan Matzen, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 28 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