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
For example, a preliminary trial of an mRNA HIV vaccine found that 80% of participants generated neutralizing antibodies, which in theory could help block HIV—pending further research and development.
—
Simon Williams, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
There’s a strong genetic component to Hashimoto’s disease: Most people who have it have antithyroid antibodies in their blood.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Aug. 2025
Those younger than 12 months, Shah said, can receive doses of immunoglobulin, also known as antibodies, which can help the body fight a viral infection, a process those in public health call prophylaxis.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025
Western blot: If the ELISA is positive or equivocal, this more specific test is used to help confirm the presence of Lyme antibodies.
—Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
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Simon Williams, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
There’s a strong genetic component to Hashimoto’s disease: Most people who have it have antithyroid antibodies in their blood.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Aug. 2025
Those younger than 12 months, Shah said, can receive doses of immunoglobulin, also known as antibodies, which can help the body fight a viral infection, a process those in public health call prophylaxis.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025
Western blot: If the ELISA is positive or equivocal, this more specific test is used to help confirm the presence of Lyme antibodies.
—Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 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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