incubation

noun

in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce incubation (audio)
ˌin-
Synonyms of incubationnext
1
: the act or process of incubating
2
: incubation period

Examples of incubation 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 startup incubation program MiraclePlus, which was sanctioned along with Zhisuan, gave seed capital in exchange for an ownership stake in Zhisuan, the State Department said. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 For Hunt, these dinners act as an unhurried shelter for creative incubation. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 The deal centers on a talent incubation program the two firms will run jointly with an academic institution in Thailand, aimed at connecting new creative talent with the short-form entertainment sector. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 To be eligible, incubators and accelerators had to be physically located in the United States, offer at least one incubation or acceleration program, and have been in operation since at least 2022. — Time Staff, Time, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incubation

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of incubation was in 1646

Phrases Containing incubation

Rhymes for incubation

See All Rhymes for incubation

Browse Nearby Words

incubate
incubation
incubational
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Cite this Entry

“Incubation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incubation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

incubation

noun
in·​cu·​ba·​tion ˌiŋ-kyə-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce incubation (audio)
ˌin-
1
: the act or process of incubating
2
: incubation period

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on incubation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for incubation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incubation

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