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
Summit Therapeutics said the FDA accepted its application seeking approval of its PD-1/VEGF antibody ivonescimab to treat non-small cell lung cancer.
—
Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 29 Jan. 2026
However, scientists discovered an antibody called MAD21-101 that is precise enough to catch it.
—Kwesi Akonu Adom Mensah Forson, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
Samples from the 28 children showed that 25 of them were carrying these antibodies.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026
Even an antibody test wouldn’t be able to differentiate between the donor receiving the vaccine and having antibodies from having COVID-19, Crawford said.
—Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 29 Jan. 2026
However, scientists discovered an antibody called MAD21-101 that is precise enough to catch it.
—Kwesi Akonu Adom Mensah Forson, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
Samples from the 28 children showed that 25 of them were carrying these antibodies.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026
Even an antibody test wouldn’t be able to differentiate between the donor receiving the vaccine and having antibodies from having COVID-19, Crawford said.
—Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 21 Jan. 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 3 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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