bacterial

adjective

bac·​te·​ri·​al bak-ˈtir-ē-əl 

: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria

bacterial infection

bacterially

bak-ˈtir-ē-ə-lē 

adverb

Examples of bacterial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But new technology may fast-track identification of bacterial pathogens, allowing medical tests to be conducted right where the patient is instead of sending samples off-site and waiting a long time for answers. —André O. Hudson, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026

May Lead To Bacterial Infections Keep in mind that drinking fresh juices that haven't been pasteurized or treated to kill bacteria can lead to bacterial illnesses. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2026

Many types are also cultured, meaning live bacterial cultures are added before churning—giving them a more tangy, complex flavor. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026

Health officials are warning of a dangerous bacterial infection that has been detected at a homeless encampment in Berkeley, California. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bacterial

• bacterial vaginosis

Rhymes for bacterial

• arterial
• ethereal
• funereal
• imperial
• material
• sidereal
• venereal
• antibacterial
• biomaterial
• mycobacterial
• cereal
• virial

Kids Definition

bacterial

adjective

bac·​te·​ri·​al bak-ˈtir-ē-əl 

: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria

Medical Definition

bacterial

adjective

bac·​te·​ri·​al bak-ˈtir-ē-əl 

: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria

a bacterial chromosome

bacterial infection

bacterial endocarditis

bacterially

-ə-lē 

adverb