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

Hypochlorous acid spray has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with acne, eczema, and rosacea (redness). —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 6 June 2025

This cleaner is both an antibacterial and disinfectant that will kill 99.9% of bacteria in your kitchen and your bathroom. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2025

This compact kit includes a mix of waterproof, antibacterial, and flexible bandages to cover whatever comes your way. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2025

Improves Curcumin Absorption Many studies have confirmed that curcumin in turmeric has anti-infection, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer effects. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 8 May 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