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bacterial

adjective

bac·​te·​ri·​al bak-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce bacterial (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria
bacterial infection
bacterially adverb

Examples of bacterial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Be sure to reheat the entire portion at once to avoid bacterial growth. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025 Many studies have linked smoking to both short- and long-term effects on immunity, including impairing the body’s ability to fight viral and bacterial infections. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025 Five major food and medication recalls made headlines this month, for reasons ranging from undeclared allergens and bacterial contamination to unapproved ingredients and failed drug requirements. Jenna Anderson, Health, 21 Nov. 2025 Abbott, one of the world’s biggest formula producers, had issued a nationwide recall after two children who consumed its products died of Cronobacter, a bacterial infection that can lead to complications such as meningitis. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 18 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bacterial

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bacterial was in 1869

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bacterial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bacterial. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

bacterial

adjective
bac·​te·​ri·​al bak-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce bacterial (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria

Medical Definition

bacterial

adjective
bac·​te·​ri·​al bak-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce bacterial (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria
a bacterial chromosome
bacterial infection
bacterial endocarditis
bacterially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on bacterial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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