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

Pet owners are encouraged to keep their furry friends away from areas under the health advisory and watch them closely for any symptoms of bacterial infection after playing in lake or river water. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

Improving ventilation is one of the simplest ways to reduce bacterial growth. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 9 July 2026

Infant botulism begins when a child swallows food containing bacterial spores, which produce toxins in the intestines. — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

While most bacterial foodborne illnesses resolve within a few days, cyclosporiasis can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms that persist for weeks or even longer, according to the Food and Drug Administration. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 7 July 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