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

They’re also constructed with an antimicrobial fabric that wicks away moisture, which is particularly handy during balmy summer days. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026

The Egyptian cotton and Tencel modal blend has an antimicrobial treatment to keep it fresh between washes. — V Brand Stories, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Some research suggests that untreated water, which may be full of bacteria, receives antimicrobial treatment when stored in copper containers or cups. — Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 25 June 2026

This simple little disk is made from pure copper, which is naturally antimicrobial. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 24 June 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