bacterial

adjective

bac·​te·​ri·​al bak-ˈtir-ē-əl 

: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria

bacterial infection

bacterially

bak-ˈtir-ē-ə-lē 

adverb

Examples of bacterial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bacterial infection, also known as TB, spreads by breathing in the germs of an infected person. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 1 May 2025

Whooping cough, a bacterial infection that can be especially dangerous for babies and young children, is on the rise. —Annette Regan, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2025

This may include antibiotics for a bacterial infection or the removal of environmental irritants. —Anju Goel, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2025

This causes inflammation and fluid buildup, leading to possible bacterial infection and more persistent symptoms. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bacterial

• bacterial vaginosis

Rhymes for bacterial

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

Kids Definition

bacterial

adjective

bac·​te·​ri·​al bak-ˈtir-ē-əl 

: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria

Medical Definition

bacterial

adjective

bac·​te·​ri·​al bak-ˈtir-ē-əl 

: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria

a bacterial chromosome

bacterial infection

bacterial endocarditis

bacterially

-ə-lē 

adverb