# incubator

/ˈɪŋkjəˌbeɪtɝ/ (US) · /ˈɪnkjuːbˌeɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incubator
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a machine that keeps things warm and safe so they can grow, like a baby or a chick. It can also mean a place that helps new businesses start and succeed.

For teachers: an apparatus used to maintain environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, for the development of neonates or microbiological cultures. In a commercial context, it refers to an organisation that provides support and resources to early-stage startups.

## Examples

- The hospital placed the premature baby in an incubator.
- The university's business incubator provides young entrepreneurs with office space and expert mentorship to launch their companies.
- By providing seed capital and networking opportunities, the tech incubator significantly reduces the failure rate of fledgling software firms during their first critical year of operation.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in medical, biological, and business contexts to describe a supportive environment for growth.

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