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

In the garage, investigators found multiple refrigerators with vials of unknown liquids, unknown liquids in gallon-size containers, a centrifuge and other laboratory equipment, authorities said. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026

After scraping and analyzing the potion, researchers confirmed beyond a doubt that the medicinal vial contained fecal matter, turning theory into historical fact. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026

That's because this ingredient is critical for preventing contamination of vaccines in vials containing multiple doses that are often used in the Global South. —Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 30 Jan. 2026

While Patryk struggles to sell his paintings, Maria comes from a well-off background and created Tear Dealer, an art project that lets poor people sell their tears, collected in vials. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 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

• 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