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
These included an anti-HIV antibody, a GLP-1-like peptide used for type 2 diabetes, and leptin, which regulates appetite.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
The shot produces protective antibodies that are transmitted to the tick upon biting a vaccinated person, preventing the bacteria from spreading from tick to human host.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
The high number of mutations may be helping the variant evade protection from vaccination or from prior infections, which prompt the immune system to produce defensive antibodies.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Mar. 2026
DeGeorge had some antibodies in his blood that meant the surgical team had to carefully monitor medications, temperature changes and other variables during the procedure.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
The shot produces protective antibodies that are transmitted to the tick upon biting a vaccinated person, preventing the bacteria from spreading from tick to human host.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
The high number of mutations may be helping the variant evade protection from vaccination or from prior infections, which prompt the immune system to produce defensive antibodies.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Mar. 2026
DeGeorge had some antibodies in his blood that meant the surgical team had to carefully monitor medications, temperature changes and other variables during the procedure.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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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