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
That triggers the development of antibodies — immune system proteins that fight off foreign invaders — that quickly learn to identify and attack alpha-gal sugar molecules.
—
Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 13 June 2026
The antibody acts like a delivery address.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Lederman said the injection of Borrelia antibodies has been in the works at the University of Massachusetts for the last ten years.
—Allison Gollenberg, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2026
In the absence of active lesions to swab for HSV itself, tests must evaluate the immune response to the virus in a patient’s blood, typically by screening for the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody.
—Lauren Schneider, Scientific American, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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.
Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 13 June 2026
The antibody acts like a delivery address.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Lederman said the injection of Borrelia antibodies has been in the works at the University of Massachusetts for the last ten years.
—Allison Gollenberg, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2026
In the absence of active lesions to swab for HSV itself, tests must evaluate the immune response to the virus in a patient’s blood, typically by screening for the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody.
—Lauren Schneider, Scientific American, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
