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

Fungal or Bacterial Stress Suzano says fungal or bacterial stress can be identified by its distinct brown or black leaf spots that may have a yellow halo around them or present with a white powder. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026

Veterinarians are still examining Osiris and conducting more testing for a range of fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens, the aquarium said. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Keaton died of primary bacterial pneumonia in October 2025 at age 79. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

Unlike traditional growth factors derived from human or bacterial sources, BIOEFFECT’s growth factors are bioengineered in barley plants – a revolutionary method developed by Icelandic scientists. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bacterial

• bacterial vaginosis

Rhymes for bacterial

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

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