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

The founders embrace linen for its breathability, and hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties, said the brand. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 6 June 2025

There is also an antibacterial surface which is high resistant to infection. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

In the present study, the researchers set out to utilize these properties to create a new, unique class of antibacterial surface coating. —Paul McClure 02, New Atlas, 2 June 2025

Fabrics like cotton, bamboo, nylon, modal, spandex, and Merino wool are naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and odor-reducing—all of which is gentle on your skin and great for vaginal health. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 Apr. 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