What does incubator mean?
An incubator is a device or controlled environment in which eggs are hatched. The word also refers figuratively to a program, institution, or workspace that helps new businesses, ideas, or creative projects develop. In the business sense, incubators often provide shared office space, mentoring, training, introductions, and sometimes funding. The phrase can apply to a formal accelerator with a fixed program or to a less structured environment where entrepreneurs and creative workers share resources and advice. The term suggests growth through suitable conditions and active support. It is especially common in discussions of startups, innovation, research, and the arts, where early-stage work benefits from guidance before becoming independent. In everyday use, "incubator" can therefore mean either a practical piece of agricultural equipment or a metaphorical setting for nurturing something promising.
nounAn incubator is a device or controlled environment for hatching eggs, especially those of birds or reptiles. By extension, it is an institution or program that provides resources, support, and space for new businesses, ideas, or projects to develop.
- A device or chamber for hatching eggs.
- An institution, program, or environment that supports the development of new businesses, projects, ideas, or creative work.
"The startup spent a year in an incubator before securing its first round of investment."
"Farmers use an egg incubator to keep the temperature and humidity steady during the hatching period."
"Her novel was developed in a writers' incubator that gave emerging authors time, mentorship, and editorial guidance."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several incubators help local entrepreneurs turn promising ideas into viable businesses."
Incubators do for emerging businesses what an egg incubator does for eggs: create the conditions in which something can grow.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does incubator come from?
The word comes through Latin from incubare, meaning "to hatch" or "to brood over," especially in relation to eggs. English use for a device for hatching eggs developed in the nineteenth century. The figurative sense of a place where ideas or young enterprises are nurtured emerged in the twentieth century, reflecting the original image of warmth and care provided during incubation.
Related word forms
How incubator is actually used
The figurative sense is common in business, technology, education, and arts contexts. It usually suggests temporary support, guidance, and resources rather than permanent dependence.