antibacterial

adjective

an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al ˌan-tē-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce antibacterial (audio) ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antibacterial (audio)
: 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
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.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth and prevent gum disease. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025 Bring a roll of paper towels, an extra blanket or throw, antibacterial gel, and a few plastic bags for the car. Annemarie Dooling, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 Honey is a natural sweetener also known for its antibacterial effects.95 Honey contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids. Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 6 Jan. 2025 The team zeroed in on a group of 13 plants eaten by the apes that had little nutritional value but carried antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for antibacterial 

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antibacterial was in 1879

Dictionary Entries Near antibacterial

Cite this Entry

“Antibacterial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibacterial. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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 How to pronounce antibacterial (audio) ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antibacterial (audio)
: directed or effective against bacteria

antibacterial

2 of 2 noun
: an antibacterial agent

More from Merriam-Webster on antibacterial

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