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

As a bonus, the copper bristles are known to sweep your body in negative ions to stimulate your lymphatic system, and give you antibacterial and antiviral benefits. — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 7 Nov. 2026

Ultrasound activated the material to generate reactive oxygen species, producing antibacterial effects in laboratory experiments alongside tooth whitening. — Mike McRae, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026

Retinal also has direct antibacterial properties, which is great for acne-prone skin. — Rosa Jisoo Pyo, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026

Scale back sulfur-rich foods, pour more water, build meals around fruits and vegetables, and keep a consistent bathing routine with antibacterial soap. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antibacterial

• immaterial
• magisterial
• managerial
• ministerial
• nonmaterial
• presbyterial
• arterial
• bacterial
• ethereal
• funereal
• imperial
• material

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