B cell
noun
: any of the lymphocytes that have antigen-binding antibody molecules on the surface, that comprise the antibody-secreting plasma cells when mature, and that in mammals differentiate in the bone marrow : b lymphocyte
The glycoproteins produced by B cells, called antibodies or immunoglobulins, recognize and bind free antigens and are responsible for humoral immunity …—
Haruo Saito et al.
Haruo Saito et al.… helper T cells that induce the proliferation of the antibody-producing B cells.—N. A. Mitchison
N. A. Mitchison… patients have no mature B cells circulating in the bloodstream and no antibodies to fight off infections.—Jean Marx
compare t cell
Jean MarxExamples of B cell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To find those powerful antibodies, scientists sort through B cells, a type of white blood cell that makes millions of different antibodies against a particular pathogen.
—Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025
Inside, lymph nodes are packed with immune cells like T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells that communicate, train, and multiply in response to threats.
—New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025
It has since been joined by Mosunetuzumab, Epcoritamab, and Glofitamab, all of which mobilize T cells against malignant B cells.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
According to the researchers, cats treated with MSC therapy had fewer overly active T and B cells (which are associated with immune overdrive) and more regulatory T cells (which can calm the immune system).
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for B cell
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.
Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025
Inside, lymph nodes are packed with immune cells like T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells that communicate, train, and multiply in response to threats.
—New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025
It has since been joined by Mosunetuzumab, Epcoritamab, and Glofitamab, all of which mobilize T cells against malignant B cells.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
According to the researchers, cats treated with MSC therapy had fewer overly active T and B cells (which are associated with immune overdrive) and more regulatory T cells (which can calm the immune system).
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for B cell
Cite this Entry
“B cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/B%20cell. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share