incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbā-tər 

ˈin-

: 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

The incubator for innumerable cultural innovations and political breakthroughs, from the lowrider to fitness culture, skating to the California burrito, gay rights, immigrant rights, disability rights. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Plans include a business incubator, a food hall and a theater — an investment designed to preserve history while generating economic activity in the neighborhood. — Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

The idea is that these serve as an incubator for ideas that can then be turned into franchises for its streaming services, which can then be fed back into the linear landscape. — Peter White, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

The workforce is here, the natural resources are abundant, and university incubators keep producing the companies that need both. — Salena Zito, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incubator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt-ər 

ˈin-

: 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

incubator

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tor ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt-ər, ˈin- 

: 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