incubator

noun

: one that incubates: such as
a
: an apparatus by which eggs are hatched artificially
b
: an apparatus with a chamber used to provide controlled environmental conditions especially for the cultivation of microorganisms or the care and protection of premature or sick babies
c
: an organization or place that aids the development of new business ventures especially by providing low-cost commercial space, management assistance, or shared services

Examples of incubator 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.
That's why places like daycares or other school settings can be perfect incubators for measles outbreaks. Irene Wright, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 School grounds can serve as incubators for diseases as students can remain in close contact for several hours at a time. Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2026 The infants in the ward were either hooked on oxygen equipment or in incubators at the time, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal told Geo News, per the broadcaster. Adam England, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Human rights organizations and medical volunteers have said that among the items being confiscated are incubators, ventilators and antibiotics. Leila Fadel, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incubator

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incubator was in 1857

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incubator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubator. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

incubator

noun
: one that incubates
especially : a piece of equipment providing suitable conditions (as of warmth and moisture) for incubating something
an incubator for premature babies

Medical Definition

: one that incubates
especially : an apparatus with a chamber used to provide controlled environmental conditions especially for the cultivation of microorganisms or the care and protection of premature or sick babies

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