antimicrobial

adjective

an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌan-ti-mī-ˈkrō-bē-əl 

: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms

antimicrobial noun

Examples of antimicrobial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To somebody who failed chemistry in high school, the antimicrobial spray seems like straight-up magic. —Elazar Sontag, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2025

One of Cygnet’s key ingredients is manuka honey, a cultivar with unique healing and antimicrobial properties, which many singers consume to protect their throats. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2025

The World Health Organization designates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the top global public health threats. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025

All are antimicrobial, soft to the touch, and absorbent. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antimicrobial

• microbial

Medical Definition

antimicrobial

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌant-i-mī-ˌkrō-bē-əl 

variants also antimicrobic

-ˈkrō-bik 

: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms

antimicrobial

2 of 2 noun

variants also antimicrobic

: an antimicrobial substance