Meaning of the word incubate in English

What does incubate mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

incubate

US /ˈɪŋ.kjə.beɪt/

UK /ˈɪŋ.kjə.beɪt/

to sit on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body

Example:

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The hen will incubate her eggs for 21 days.

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Some birds use their body heat to incubate their eggs.

Synonym:

hatch brood sit on

to keep a disease or an idea in one's mind for a period of time before it develops or becomes apparent

Example:

•

She had been incubating this idea for months.

•

The virus can incubate for several days before symptoms appear.

Synonym:

develop foster nurture harbor conceive

Related Word:

incubator incubation period