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 formula is packed with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial ingredients like turmeric and heartleaf extract. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

After washing, the appliance can move through steam sanitization and hot-air drying before entering a 72-hour antibacterial storage mode, which circulates filtered air to help keep cleaned parts dry and ready for use. — New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026

According to Krouse, Mānuka’s antibacterial power comes from methylglyoxal, or MGO, a compound that stays stable even with heat and light exposure. — Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026

Memory foam and microfiber fill is paired with an antibacterial cover designed to stay cool against your skin. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 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