antibacterial

adjective

an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al ˌan-tē-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl  ˌan-ˌtī- 

: directed or effective against bacteria

antibacterial soap

an antibacterial drug

antibacterial noun

In an effort to develop new antifungals, scientists are boning up on previous research on antibacterials.

—Ellen Licking

Examples of antibacterial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Use antibacterial hand sanitizer and sanitization wipes to keep your hands clean and bacteria-free. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2024

Cedarwood Essential Oil Cedarwood has antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.6 There is very little research on the impact of cedarwood essential oil on hair health. —Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Plus, it’s made of an antibacterial, spill-proof nylon lining. —Kayla Becker, Glamour, 22 Oct. 2024

Kills Harmful Pathogens Interestingly, thymol is used in the mouthwash Listerine thanks to its antibacterial properties. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

antibacterial

adjective

an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al

ˌant-ē-ˌbak-ˈtir-ē-əl,

ˌan-ˌtī-ˌbak-

: directed or effective against bacteria

antibacterial soap

Medical Definition

antibacterial

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al ˌant-i-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl  ˌan-ˌtī- 

: directed or effective against bacteria

antibacterial

2 of 2 noun

: an antibacterial agent