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
DeGeorge had some antibodies in his blood that meant the surgical team had to carefully monitor medications, temperature changes and other variables during the procedure.
—
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in laboratories that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off certain illnesses.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
But that idea, while valid in one context, doesn’t fully address how the antibody might be interacting with the T cells within a 24-hour cycle.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
Very young infants have antibodies from their mother that may interfere with their own immune response, including to measles vaccine.
—Virginia E. Pitzer, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2026
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.
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in laboratories that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off certain illnesses.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
But that idea, while valid in one context, doesn’t fully address how the antibody might be interacting with the T cells within a 24-hour cycle.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
Very young infants have antibodies from their mother that may interfere with their own immune response, including to measles vaccine.
—Virginia E. Pitzer, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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
