antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈan-ti-ˌbä-dē 
: 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
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, makes antibodies to fight off infection, regulates blood sugar, and helps your brain and nervous system work effectively.
—
Laura Dorwart, Health, 22 Dec. 2025
The two available shots, which are not technically vaccines but antibody drugs that protect against RSV, were approved in 2023 and 2025 and are more than 90 percent effective at protecting against hospitalization.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 20 Dec. 2025
Children with autism seem to be more likely than other children to produce an antibody that prevents folate, also known as vitamin B9, from reaching their brain.
—Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2025
First, a test checks for antibodies, signs that someone has ever been exposed to the virus.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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.
Laura Dorwart, Health, 22 Dec. 2025
The two available shots, which are not technically vaccines but antibody drugs that protect against RSV, were approved in 2023 and 2025 and are more than 90 percent effective at protecting against hospitalization.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 20 Dec. 2025
Children with autism seem to be more likely than other children to produce an antibody that prevents folate, also known as vitamin B9, from reaching their brain.
—Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2025
First, a test checks for antibodies, signs that someone has ever been exposed to the virus.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē
: 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
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share