antibacterial
adjective
an·ti·bac·te·ri·al
ˌan-tē-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl 
ˌan-ˌtī-
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
Ellen Licking
Examples of antibacterial in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Garlic is a diverse plant with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
—Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 9 June 2025
Has antibacterial properties The antioxidants in tahini could protect brain cells, preventing degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 31 May 2025
Some toothpaste contains an ingredient called triclosan, which has been found to have antibacterial properties that could potentially help acne.
—Laura Schober, Health, 22 May 2025
Though all types of wood tested had some antibacterial effect, some woods (red oak and white oak) were better at removing Listeria, while others (European beech) were better at removing Salmonella, according to the 2023 study.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibacterial
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Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 9 June 2025
Has antibacterial properties The antioxidants in tahini could protect brain cells, preventing degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 31 May 2025
Some toothpaste contains an ingredient called triclosan, which has been found to have antibacterial properties that could potentially help acne.
—Laura Schober, Health, 22 May 2025
Though all types of wood tested had some antibacterial effect, some woods (red oak and white oak) were better at removing Listeria, while others (European beech) were better at removing Salmonella, according to the 2023 study.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibacterial
Cite this Entry
“Antibacterial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibacterial. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
antibacterial
1 of 2 adjective
an·ti·bac·te·ri·al
ˌant-i-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl
ˌan-ˌtī-
ˌan-ˌtī-
: directed or effective against bacteria
antibacterial
2 of 2 noun
: an antibacterial agent
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