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.
Single-dose pens and vials will be excluded from the program. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 26 June 2026 Karly's Kitchen’s langostino and quail egg banh khot, shown here with a vial of fish sauce. — Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 24 June 2026 Single-dose Zepbound pens and Zepbound vials will not be covered by the bridge program. — Sony Salzman, ABC News, 1 July 2026 The product comes with 12 vials of potent serum and cream that, as the price tag indicates, aren’t made with run-of-the-mill ingredients. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 23 June 2026 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

Rhymes for vial

See All Rhymes for vial

Browse Nearby Words

viajaca
vial
Via Lactea
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vial. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of vial for Spanish Speakers

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