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

Our linen closet has long doubled as a medicine station — stocked with bronchodilators, pinworm pills, antiviral medication, pain relief patches, pulse oximeters and nebulizers, vials of Prednisone, even EpiPen injectors. — Allan Ripp, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

On a coffee table in front of her, a series of small vials and swabs are laid out. — Anna Russell, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026

But the mellow vibes are ruined when a goofy case of mistaken identity results in Frankie coming home with a briefcase containing several vials of a glowing orange goo. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

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