To introduce a vaccine or antigenic substance into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease. The doctor will inoculate the children against measles before the school year begins.
To introduce microorganisms or viruses into a culture medium. The scientist will inoculate the petri dish with bacteria to observe their growth.
To introduce an idea or attitude into someone's mind. The teacher aimed to inoculate the students with a love for reading.
To graft a bud (scion) into a plant so that it may grow there. The gardener will inoculate the rose bush with a vigorous bud taken from a prize specimen.