antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈan-ti-ˌbä-dē 
: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains
called also immunoglobulin
Examples of antibody in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One of them is Beyfortus, a preventive antibody developed by Sanofi.
—
Adrienne Farr, Parents, 24 Nov. 2025
This allows the mother's antibodies to pass to the baby before birth.
—Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025
Probiotics in miso can also stimulate the production of secretory IgA, an antibody that strengthens the gut lining and acts as a first line of defense against potentially harmful germs, like certain bacteria and viruses.
—Lauren Manaker, SELF, 18 Nov. 2025
Still, if parents are hesitant, Bruckner explains that this isn't a vaccine but an antibody injection, which has gotten more parents on board.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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Adrienne Farr, Parents, 24 Nov. 2025
This allows the mother's antibodies to pass to the baby before birth.
—Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025
Probiotics in miso can also stimulate the production of secretory IgA, an antibody that strengthens the gut lining and acts as a first line of defense against potentially harmful germs, like certain bacteria and viruses.
—Lauren Manaker, SELF, 18 Nov. 2025
Still, if parents are hesitant, Bruckner explains that this isn't a vaccine but an antibody injection, which has gotten more parents on board.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē
: a substance produced by special cells of the body that combines with an antigen and counteracts its effects or those of the microscopic plant or animal on which the antigen may occur
Medical Definition
antibody
noun
an·ti·body
ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē
plural antibodies
: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains
called also immunoglobulin
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