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

The manufacturer makes packaging such as sticks, jars, vials, spouts, bottles and tubes for small and mid-size brands in the personal care, household, and food and beverage sectors. —Desiree Mathurin december 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Dec. 2025

Plasencia contacted his mentor, Mark Chavez, who had previously operated a ketamine clinic, to discuss Perry's request for ketamine and purchased vials of liquid ketamine, ketamine lozenges and other items from him, according to the agreement. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 3 Dec. 2025

The doctors charged Perry $2,000 for a single vial that cost Chavez approximately $12, officials said. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 2 Dec. 2025

The previous price for higher-dosage vials was $499. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 1 Dec. 2025

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

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

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