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

Research indicates this last ingredient has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025

Honey is known for its antibacterial properties, Wick said, and its thickness may shield your sore throat from further irritation. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025

Key Takeaways Cloves contain eugenol, a compound that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 28 Dec. 2025

In addition to its antibacterial properties, drinking cranberry juice may increase the number of immune cells. —Cynthia Sass, Health, 23 Dec. 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