macrophage
noun
mac·ro·phage
ˈma-krə-ˌfāj 
: a phagocytic tissue cell of the immune system that may be fixed or freely motile, is derived from a monocyte, functions in the destruction of foreign antigens (such as bacteria and viruses), and serves as an antigen-presenting cell compare histiocyte
Examples of macrophage in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cells that store fat, or adipocytes, and immune cells, such as macrophages, that live in fat tissue can remember weight long after it’s lost.
—
Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026
Their beta-glucans have been shown to activate key immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells, supporting the body’s frontline defenses.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2026
Primer extension experiments using mouse macrophage RNA indicated a single transcriptional initiation site.
—Kirstin R.w. Matthews, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
Symptom Relief Zinc can also boost the immune system by increasing the number of T cells and macrophages that fight infection.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for macrophage
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Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026
Their beta-glucans have been shown to activate key immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells, supporting the body’s frontline defenses.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2026
Primer extension experiments using mouse macrophage RNA indicated a single transcriptional initiation site.
—Kirstin R.w. Matthews, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
Symptom Relief Zinc can also boost the immune system by increasing the number of T cells and macrophages that fight infection.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for macrophage
Cite this Entry
“Macrophage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macrophage. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
macrophage
noun
mac·ro·phage
ˈmak-rə-ˌfāj
: a large phagocyte of the immune system
Medical Definition
macrophage
noun
mac·ro·phage
ˈmak-rə-ˌfāj
-ˌfäzh
-ˌfäzh
: a phagocytic tissue cell of the immune system that may be fixed or freely motile, is derived from a monocyte, functions in the destruction of foreign antigens (as bacteria and viruses), and serves as an antigen-presenting cell see histiocyte, mononuclear phagocyte system
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