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.
After all, Locarno Pro also sees itself as a talent incubation and training platform. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 Five teams out of eight made it through incubation, and more ventures survived, including the bread-to-feed company. — Clyde Eiríkur Hull, The Conversation, 23 July 2026 While widely embraced by the comedy community as an effort to elevate a new generation of comedy stars at a time when comedy talent incubation has been deprioritized, the show has also drummed up huge viewership. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2026 The Moroccan filming facility will also include a training and talent incubation hub, as well as a hotel complex intended to host both national and international production teams. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 3 July 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 7 Aug. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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