antibody

noun

an·​ti·​body ˈan-ti-ˌbä-dē How to pronounce antibody (audio)
: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains

called also immunoglobulin

Examples of antibody 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.
Researchers found that those who tested positive for EBV VCA-IgA antibodies were nearly five times as likely to develop cancer compared with individuals who tested negative. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025 Because vaccines wane, even people vaccinated as children might not have enough antibodies. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Botox resistance can also occur, which is an immune response that causes the body to develop antibodies that fight off the toxin. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025 Monoclonal antibodies are proteins manufactured in a lab and mimic the antibodies the body naturally creates when fighting an infection. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for antibody

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antibody was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

antibody

noun
an·​ti·​body ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē How to pronounce antibody (audio)
: a substance produced by special cells of the body that combines with an antigen and counteracts its effects or those of the microscopic plant or animal on which the antigen may occur

Medical Definition

antibody

noun
an·​ti·​body ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē How to pronounce antibody (audio)
plural antibodies
: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains

called also immunoglobulin

More from Merriam-Webster on antibody

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