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
The panel also approved, 6–4, a proposal encouraging parents to speak with pediatricians about blood tests to check whether children develop protective antibodies — a practice not standard in pediatrics.
—
Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
The testing would determine whether an antibody threshold was achieved and should be covered by insurance.
—ABC News, 5 Dec. 2025
The panel voted 6-4, with one member abstaining, to recommend testing children's antibody levels after each hepatitis B shot to determine whether additional shots are needed.
—Pien Huang, NPR, 5 Dec. 2025
The panel also recommended parents consult with their doctor or other health provider on whether to get an antibody test during the course of the three-dose vaccine and that insurance companies cover the cost of the test.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
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Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
The testing would determine whether an antibody threshold was achieved and should be covered by insurance.
—ABC News, 5 Dec. 2025
The panel voted 6-4, with one member abstaining, to recommend testing children's antibody levels after each hepatitis B shot to determine whether additional shots are needed.
—Pien Huang, NPR, 5 Dec. 2025
The panel also recommended parents consult with their doctor or other health provider on whether to get an antibody test during the course of the three-dose vaccine and that insurance companies cover the cost of the test.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 5 Dec. 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 9 Dec. 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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