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

Granite is one of the hardest stones used in interior applications and has antibacterial traits. —Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2025

May Help Treat Bacterial Vaginosis Calendula may have antibacterial and antifungal properties. —Ashley Wong, Health, 27 Nov. 2025

Metronidazole has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects on the bowels as well as it being used as an antiprotozoal drug. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 23 Nov. 2025

Howard went to get a bandage, put antibacterial ointment on it, and covered her cut. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 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