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

Try to keep both dry between uses, disinfect the brush head weekly (soaking it in hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial mouthwash will do the trick), and replace your toothbrush every three to four months. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025

The 20 study participants used the antibacterial patch for six days before switching to the anti-inflammatory patch. —Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025

These antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory herbs support immune function. —Chrystle Fiedler, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025

Common methods to combat the odor included washing the shoes and drying them in the sun; using spray deodorant; or sprinkling the shoes with an antibacterial powder. —ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025

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