antibacterial

adjective

an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al ˌan-tē-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce antibacterial (audio) ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antibacterial (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s why some folks carry antibacterial wipes, a good dollar aisle pickup when grocery shopping. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025 The silver gallium functions as a natural antibacterial agent, and was found in animal testing to fight infection at the joint implantation site. New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2025 Rubbing alcohol, which is a combination of water and isopropyl alcohol, has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Carrie Madormo, Health, 10 Oct. 2025 Follow with an antibacterial or sudsy wipe and a squirt of odorizer spray or a sheet of scented fabric softener. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antibacterial

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antibacterial was in 1879

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Cite this Entry

“Antibacterial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibacterial. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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 How to pronounce antibacterial (audio) ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antibacterial (audio)
: directed or effective against bacteria

antibacterial

2 of 2 noun
: an antibacterial agent

More from Merriam-Webster on antibacterial

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