incubation

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce incubation (audio)
ˌin-
Synonyms of incubationnext
1
: the act or process of incubating
2
: incubation period

Examples of incubation 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.
The deal centers on a talent incubation program the two firms will run jointly with an academic institution in Thailand, aimed at connecting new creative talent with the short-form entertainment sector. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 To be eligible, incubators and accelerators had to be physically located in the United States, offer at least one incubation or acceleration program, and have been in operation since at least 2022. — Time Staff, Time, 18 Aug. 2026 Rather than just helping to route funds, the government should set up incubation hubs, finance intervention programs, and arrange special visits by expert teams. — Eghosa E. Osaghae, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026 In addition to her management and producing work, Church-Cooper has served on the leadership committee for the Yes, And Laughter Lab, a nonprofit incubation lab and showcase dedicated to amplifying diverse comedic voices, since 2019. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incubation

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of incubation was in 1646

Phrases Containing incubation

Rhymes for incubation

See All Rhymes for incubation

Browse Nearby Words

incubate
incubation
incubational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incubation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

incubation

noun
in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce incubation (audio)
ˌin-
1
: the act or process of incubating
2
: incubation period

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on incubation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for incubation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incubation

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