Incubate/ˈɪŋkjubeɪt/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/2Natural Process Describes a natural role in hatching eggs, often done by the parent bird. The hen will incubate her eggs until they are ready to hatch. Pro Tip 2/2Patience Required Incubation takes time and suggests a period of waiting. You must wait for several weeks as the eggs incubate.