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

Avoid soaps that are labeled antibacterial or that contain environmental contaminants like parabens, phthalates, or triclosan. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026

What’s more, onions and other alliums have natural antibacterial properties that may inhibit the nitrogen-fixing bacteria on the roots of legume plants. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026

Red light supports collagen and reduces inflammation, while blue light has antibacterial properties that target acne. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026

These biocides are added to many common household products, including antibacterial hand soaps, disinfecting wipes, spray cleaners, laundry sanitizers, textiles and personal care products, the researchers noted. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 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