vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

Examples of vial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many people didn’t sterilize the vials or the skin before injection. — C. Michael White, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026

But every vial of insulin or GLP-1 medication on a pharmacist’s shelf is the product of decades of clinical trials and safety testing. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

West designs and manufactures elastomer stoppers and seals that keep vials sterile, prefillable syringe systems and self-injection cartridges, and wearable patch injectors for continuous drug delivery. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026

Found in the burn barrel were remnants of Gross' glasses, clothing, magazines, and a vial of her dog's insulin. — Patrick Damp, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fiole, viole, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin fiola, alteration of Latin phiala — more at phial

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vial

• denial
• mistrial
• posttrial
• pretrial
• retrial
• dial
• rial
• thiol
• trial
• sensorial

Kids Definition

vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small container (as for medicines) made usually of glass or plastic

Medical Definition

vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l 

: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

called also phial