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

In early February, Opportunity employees from around the world participated in brainstorming sessions for the incubator, generating more than 200 ideas. —Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024

The session will be held in partnership with the Greek non-profit creative incubator Oxbelly. —Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024

Here, Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana presented the newest edition of The Fashion Hub – a meeting place and incubator of innovative projects that leveraged CNMI’s fundamental values of experimentation, innovation, craftsmanship, sustainability, inclusion and education. —Fairchild Studio, WWD, 31 Oct. 2024

If not for the sounds of ATMs dinging in the background, the branches’ auditorium-style classes would feel more like startup incubators than banks. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 30 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