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

And dealmakers waiting to see how the combination works and what becomes of Saks’ tie-up with Jamie Salter — Authentic Luxury Group — which could go on as an acquirer of high-end brands, incubator of growth through strategic licensing and distribution partnerships. —Evan Clark, WWD, 27 Nov. 2024

There was also a proposal by Y Combinator several years ago, which is this startup incubator here in San Francisco trying to also turn empty land into this new society. —Lauren Goode, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024

The husband-and-wife duo are also the founders of Wally Farms in Ancram, an agricultural incubator that tackles sustainability, food security, and energy independence. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2024

Multimillion-dollar Fishers District development continues to take shape The Fishers Event Center is a 53-acre expansion of the Fishers District development, which began as a culinary incubator project and has grown into a multimillion-dollar retail, entertainment and housing development. —Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

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