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

Thankfully, topical prescription acne treatments are generally safe postpartum, including antimicrobial medications. —Alex Vance, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026

These fibers also have natural antimicrobial or odor-resistant properties, which are desirable for use in automotive interior design. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026

The skincare benefits of hypochlorous acid Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi on the skin, which can kill infections and treat conditions like acne and eczema, Garshick says. —Erica Sweeney, Time, 28 Jan. 2026

Wood is naturally antimicrobial, microplastic-free, and easy on your knife blades. —Lizzy Briskin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026

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