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

The genomic data could also support the search for new gene-editing tools, antimicrobial peptides, and biotechnology products that rely on stable, highly precise enzymes. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Dec. 2025

Some of these antimicrobial effects may come from the nutrients that mushrooms provide. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2025

The footbed is also treated with an antimicrobial shield, and the forefoot features plush cushioning for all-around comfort. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025

While hospitals continue investing in advanced diagnostic tools and antimicrobial materials, infection-prevention experts say the fundamentals still matter most. —Karina Nicholas, Boston Herald, 28 Nov. 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