antimicrobial

adjective

an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌan-ti-mī-ˈkrō-bē-əl 

: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms

antimicrobial noun

Examples of antimicrobial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Discoveries indicate that coffee has significant antimicrobial properties that are effective against a range of bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens in agriculture. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025

However, essential oils that have antimicrobial properties have also been used. —Rebeca Schiller, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025

Allure readers with its four-speed antimicrobial brushes that leave skin softer, smoother, and super-duper clean. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025

One popular way to cleanse the skin clean in the air is by using an antimicrobial spray, like sensitive skin-friendly hypochlorous acid spray. —Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antimicrobial

• microbial

Medical Definition

antimicrobial

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌant-i-mī-ˌkrō-bē-əl 

variants also antimicrobic

-ˈkrō-bik 

: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms

antimicrobial

2 of 2 noun

variants also antimicrobic

: an antimicrobial substance