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

Much of turmeric’s power comes from its active compound curcumin, an antioxidant that’s proven to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. —Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024

Plus, the odor-resistant, antibacterial silicone head makes for an even thorough clean. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

Gargle with Mouthwash An antibacterial mouthwash can help kill the bacteria that lead to bad breath and tonsil stones. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

Harsh cleaners and products: Bar soaps, antibacterial soaps, and some cleansers can be alkaline, disrupting the acid mantle when used on the face. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 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