antiviral

1 of 2

adjective

an·​ti·​vi·​ral ˌan-tē-ˈvī-rəl 

ˌan-tī-

1

medical : acting, effective, or directed against viruses

an antiviral vaccine/drug

2

: used to protect a computer from viruses : antivirus

antiviral software

antiviral

2 of 2

noun

: an antiviral agent and especially a drug

antivirals used in treating influenza

Examples of antiviral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Our linen closet has long doubled as a medicine station — stocked with bronchodilators, pinworm pills, antiviral medication, pain relief patches, pulse oximeters and nebulizers, vials of Prednisone, even EpiPen injectors. — Allan Ripp, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Invented before modern antibiotics, the tincture has recently experienced a renaissance as a popular antiviral recommendation among the organ meat set. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Noun

But giving an antiviral soon after exposure can help prevent disease and could be faster-acting than a typical vaccine. — Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 7 July 2026

Trials of the Mapp drug ​and two Gilead Sciences antivirals are due to begin in the coming weeks, according to the WHO and scientists involved in the testing. — Reuters, NBC news, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antiviral

• retroviral
• adenoviral
• antiretroviral
• chiral
• spiral
• viral

Medical Definition

antiviral

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​vi·​ral -ˈvi-rəl 

variants also antivirus

-rəs 

: acting, effective, or directed against viruses

antiviral drugs

antiviral

2 of 2 noun

: an antiviral agent and especially a drug