vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vial (audio)
: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

Examples of vial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sangha charged $160 per vial, with Fleming hiking the price up to $220 per vial, according to paperwork in the case. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025 That’s just an insane concentration of capital to build infrastructure for what could end up being just another vial of Silicon Valley snake oil. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025 One round of horse incubation can produce 2,000 vials of scorpion anti-venom or 200 vials of African snake anti-venom. Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 28 Aug. 2025 There's also a hole for a lanyard or keyring, along with two slots for optional vials of glow-in-the-dark tritium. New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vial

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vial was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vial. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

vial

noun
vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vial (audio)
: a small container (as for medicines) made usually of glass or plastic

Medical Definition

vial

noun
vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vial (audio)
: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

called also phial

More from Merriam-Webster on vial

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