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

Salt has natural antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection and promote healing. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 17 May 2025

Fights Infections Kefir contains unique antibacterial properties. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 7 May 2025

Copper, for instance, is a popular material for pipes because of its durability and antibacterial properties, but China dominates refining of the metal. —Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 7 May 2025

Scientists have also found traces of plants with antibacterial and pain-relieving properties in Neanderthals’ dental plaque. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antibacterial

• biomaterial
• mycobacterial
• arterial
• bacterial
• ethereal
• funereal
• imperial
• material
• sidereal
• venereal
• cereal
• virial

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