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

For instance, several strains of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa infect humans and have evolved to resist many of our antibacterial treatments. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024

The main ingredient that supports these claims is apple cider vinegar thanks to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. —Celeste Polanco, Essence, 28 Jan. 2025

Finally, the bark boasts antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024

Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth and prevent gum disease. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025

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