antibacterial

adjective

an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al ˌan-tē-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl  ˌan-ˌtī- 

: directed or effective against bacteria

antibacterial soap

an antibacterial drug

antibacterial noun

In an effort to develop new antifungals, scientists are boning up on previous research on antibacterials.

—Ellen Licking

Examples of antibacterial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What about soap versus antibacterial soap? —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026

Since wood can develop bacteria buildup, simply wash your cutting boards after use with water and a gentle antibacterial soap, then add a fresh coat of food-safe oil every so often for a waterproof finish. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2026

Aloe vera's antibacterial properties may improve your oral health. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 15 Jan. 2026

Preliminary studies have suggested that CBC has anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and antibacterial properties, among others, although its therapeutic potential remains far less studied than THC or CBD. —New Atlas, 10 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antibacterial

• biomaterial
• mycobacterial
• arterial
• bacterial
• ethereal
• funereal
• imperial
• material
• sidereal
• venereal
• cereal
• virial

Kids Definition

antibacterial

adjective

an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al

ˌant-ē-ˌbak-ˈtir-ē-əl, 

ˌan-ˌtī-ˌbak-

: directed or effective against bacteria

antibacterial soap

Medical Definition

antibacterial

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al ˌant-i-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl  ˌan-ˌtī- 

: directed or effective against bacteria

antibacterial

2 of 2 noun

: an antibacterial agent