antibody

noun

an·​ti·​body ˈan-ti-ˌbä-dē How to pronounce antibody (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Avidity specializes in developing an innovative class of ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics called antibody oligonucleotide conjugates. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025 Patient 3’s immune system, however, didn’t produce as many antibodies after the procedure, suggesting that the therapy may not have efficiently reached its target, Whitton says. Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025 Milejkowski and his colleagues found that emaciated children had no antibodies against tuberculosis. Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025 Additionally, pregnant women are recommended to receive a maternal RSV during 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect against RSV and pass on antibodies to their baby, which can protect for up to six months after birth. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antibody

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antibody was in 1894

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

antibody

noun
an·​ti·​body ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē How to pronounce antibody (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce antibody (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on antibody

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