incubator

word

Definition

A machine or environment used to keep something, usually eggs or newborn babies, at the right temperature and conditions for growth. Also used for organizations that support the development of new companies or ideas.

Usage & Nuances

'Incubator' is used in both medical and business contexts: in hospitals (for premature babies), farms (for egg hatching), and organizations (startup incubators). In business English, 'business incubator' is a fixed phrase. Avoid confusing with 'incubation period' (a medical term about germs).

Example Sentences

The eggs are kept warm in an incubator until they hatch.

basic

The premature baby was placed in an incubator for care.

basic

Our city has a new business incubator to help startups grow.

basic

After hatching, the chicks moved out of the incubator into a larger pen.

natural

She got her big break after her company joined a tech incubator.

natural

The startup spent six months in an incubator before finding investors.

natural