vial

noun

vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vial (audio)
: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

Examples of vial 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 product's lot number can be found on the bottom of the box and on the individual vials. Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024 The recalled eye drops come in the 25-count on-the-go single vials with lot number 10101 and an expiration date of September 2025. Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 25 Dec. 2024 Rounding out the multitool's features are three slots for optional glow-in-the-dark vials of tritium, to help find the thing at night or in a coal mine. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 13 Dec. 2024 McNabb goes to the Navarro farm, finds Travis’ body, and retrieves the vial. James Grebey, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vial 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fiole, viole, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin fiola, alteration of Latin phiala — more at phial

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vial was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near vial

Cite this Entry

“Vial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vial. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

vial

noun
vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vial (audio)
: a small container (as for medicines) made usually of glass or plastic

Medical Definition

vial

noun
vi·​al ˈvī(-ə)l How to pronounce vial (audio)
: a small closed or closable vessel especially for liquids

called also phial

More from Merriam-Webster on vial

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