antiviral

1 of 2

adjective

an·​ti·​vi·​ral ˌan-tē-ˈvī-rəl How to pronounce antiviral (audio)
ˌan-tī-
1
medical : acting, effective, or directed against viruses
an antiviral vaccine/drug
2
: used to protect a computer from viruses : antivirus
antiviral software

antiviral

2 of 2

noun

: an antiviral agent and especially a drug
antivirals used in treating influenza

Examples of antiviral 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.
Adjective
Lab studies have also found peppermint to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which may help keep harmful germs at bay.13 7. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2025 There is no specific medication or antiviral for norovirus, meaning the only treatment available is managing symptoms. Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
Two new studies released in 2025 provide a mixed picture of how well our current antivirals are holding up against H5N1, the highly pathogenic bird flu virus that continues to spill over into mammals and humans. John Drake, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 The state Agriculture Department also provides testing, antivirals and personal protective equipment as needed. Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antiviral

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antiviral was in 1929

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Cite this Entry

“Antiviral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiviral. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

antiviral

1 of 2 adjective
an·​ti·​vi·​ral -ˈvi-rəl How to pronounce antiviral (audio)
variants also antivirus
: acting, effective, or directed against viruses
antiviral drugs

antiviral

2 of 2 noun
: an antiviral agent and especially a drug
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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