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 can check for particular antibodies like Anti-SSA (Ro) and Anti-SSB (La) ones, as well as ANA and rheumatoid factor. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Even if there are no protective antibodies currently circulating in a person’s blood, special immune memory cells should be capable of quickly producing more protection if live measles viruses arrive. — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2026

Menon embarked on several activities, including antibody testing to track the spread of the disease. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026

Think of Carvykti as a more specialized therapy, while Darzalex is an antibody used as a backbone treatment. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing antibody

• monoclonal antibody

Rhymes for antibody

• afterbody
• busybody
• everybody
• autoantibody
• bawdy
• body
• gaudy
• khadi
• mahdi
• noddy
• oddi
• shoddy

Kids 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