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 program offers all doses in vial and injector pen forms and sends them directly to your home. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 25 Apr. 2025

These off-brand copies are sold at a steep discount—sometimes under $100 a vial—compared to the name-brand medications, which can be over $1,000 a month without insurance. —Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 21 Feb. 2025

Capital injection An employee holds a vial containing the active ingredient of the product Elevidys for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the Roche Diagnostics GmbH plant. —Sara Salinas, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025

Bassett’s Athena went to deliver a vial of anti-viral to Nash’s team, one of whom, Chimney (Kenneth Choi), had gotten infected. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 Apr. 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