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
One of the solutions that came out of meetings with both was the use of a drug called Beyfortus, an antibody injection given to newborns and young children to help treat RSV.
—
Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
When blood from the same group was tested a month after vaccination, 39% had antibodies against subclade K at levels that normally signal protection.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 8 Jan. 2026
The Penn Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response takes an early look every year at how well the seasonal flu shot prompts an antibody response in the immune system.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 7 Jan. 2026
But your doctors will also want to evaluate objective markers of inflammation, like lab test results for certain antibodies, protein in your urine and markers of inflammation, Czarny says.
—Korin Miller, Flow Space, 6 Jan. 2026
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Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
When blood from the same group was tested a month after vaccination, 39% had antibodies against subclade K at levels that normally signal protection.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 8 Jan. 2026
The Penn Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response takes an early look every year at how well the seasonal flu shot prompts an antibody response in the immune system.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 7 Jan. 2026
But your doctors will also want to evaluate objective markers of inflammation, like lab test results for certain antibodies, protein in your urine and markers of inflammation, Czarny says.
—Korin Miller, Flow Space, 6 Jan. 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 22 Jan. 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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