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.
Found in the burn barrel were remnants of Gross' glasses, clothing, magazines, and a vial of her dog's insulin. — Patrick Damp, CBS News, 31 July 2026 At the city’s police department jail, a paramedic drew Hampton’s blood into three vials. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026 The United States has more than 1,400 manufacturing sites that are designed to finish medications into a pill, capsule or liquid vial, conduct quality control or complete packaging and labeling. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 22 July 2026 Some arrive in sterile-looking vials, often promoted by fitness influencers. — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 22 July 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 5 Aug. 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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