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
Those issues included the BK virus, a flu-like polyomavirus, which resulted in both cellular and antibody rejection.
—
Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
With this type, a different kind of antibody, called IgM, gets abnormally programmed.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
In effect, the sugar acted as a beacon that guided the antibodies to their target.
—New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
Other preliminary research suggests that obesity may affect the quality and quantity of protective antibodies, which latch on to pathogens to signal attacker immune cells to target them.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
With this type, a different kind of antibody, called IgM, gets abnormally programmed.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
In effect, the sugar acted as a beacon that guided the antibodies to their target.
—New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
Other preliminary research suggests that obesity may affect the quality and quantity of protective antibodies, which latch on to pathogens to signal attacker immune cells to target them.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 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 21 Feb. 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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