Incubating Meaning in English

word · lemma: incubate

US

ˈɪnkjəˌbeɪtɪŋ

IN-kyuh-bay-ting

UK

ˈɪnkjuːbˌeɪtɪŋ

IN-kew-bay-ting

Definition

Keeping something, such as eggs or bacteria, in the right conditions so it can develop. It can also mean something starting to develop, like an idea or an illness.

Usage & Nuances

'Incubating' is often used scientifically (eggs, bacteria) and metaphorically (ideas, diseases). Common in medical and biological contexts: 'incubating a virus', 'incubating eggs'. In business and innovation, 'incubating a startup' means helping it develop.

• Spanish: incubar
• Portuguese (BR): incubar
• Portuguese (PT): incubar
• Chinese (Simplified): 孵化 - 潜伏（疾病）
• Chinese (Traditional): 孵化 - 潛伏（疾病）
• Hindi: से अंडे सेना - विकसित करना (रोग आदि)
• Arabic: حاضن - في طور الحضانة (مرض)
• Bengali: উষ্ণায়ন করা - বিকাশের পথে থাকা
• Russian: инкубировать - развиваться (о болезни, идее)
• Japanese: 孵化している - 発展中である
• Vietnamese: ủ - đang phát triển
• Korean: 부화시키다 - (병, 아이디어가) 싹트다
• Turkish: kuluçkaya yatırmak - geliştirmek
• Urdu: انڈے سینا - پرورش میں ہونا
• Indonesian: menginkubasi - berkembang (tentang ide, penyakit)

Example Sentences

The hen is incubating her eggs.

basic

Scientists are incubating bacteria in the lab.

basic

I think I am incubating a cold.

basic

She’s been incubating a brilliant business idea for months.

natural

The startup is currently incubating at a tech hub downtown.

natural

You might be incubating something, so take it easy and get some rest.

natural