antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈan-ti-ˌbä-dē 
: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains
called also immunoglobulin
Examples of antibody in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells produce large amounts of an abnormal antibody, M-protein, that can’t fight infections.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Sep. 2025
In early 2022 biotechnology startup AbCellera and Eli Lilly got emergency FDA approval for an antibody used in the early COVID vaccines, a tangible example of how the tech could be used to aid in drug discoveries.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
Babies under 6 months are currently too young to be vaccinated and have to rely on protection from maternal antibodies.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Our serological test looks for these antibodies in an animal’s blood.
—Jessie Richards, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Sep. 2025
In early 2022 biotechnology startup AbCellera and Eli Lilly got emergency FDA approval for an antibody used in the early COVID vaccines, a tangible example of how the tech could be used to aid in drug discoveries.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
Babies under 6 months are currently too young to be vaccinated and have to rely on protection from maternal antibodies.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Our serological test looks for these antibodies in an animal’s blood.
—Jessie Richards, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē
: a substance produced by special cells of the body that combines with an antigen and counteracts its effects or those of the microscopic plant or animal on which the antigen may occur
Medical Definition
antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē
plural antibodies
: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains
called also immunoglobulin
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