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.
When Familiars last showed at the Tate in the ’90s, one of the vials did crack, resulting in the whole gallery being evacuated. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Advertisement Kinkade’s vial of tirzepatide, for instance, included the vitamin B12. — Alana Semuels, Time, 7 Oct. 2026 An entire vial of infliximab for an infusion would take 10 units, costing $780. — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026 The exhibition puts designer Pierre-Olivier Persin’s bust of the creature alongside the syringes, vials and other medical paraphernalia from the mysterious Substance kit that sets the movie’s nightmare in motion. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 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

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