antibacterial
adjective
an·ti·bac·te·ri·al
ˌan-tē-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl 
ˌan-ˌtī-
ˌan-ˌtī-
: directed or effective against bacteria
antibacterial soap
an antibacterial drug
antibacterial
noun
In an effort to develop new antifungals, scientists are boning up on previous research on antibacterials.
—
Ellen Licking
Ellen Licking
Examples of antibacterial in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory herbs support immune function.
—Chrystle Fiedler, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Common methods to combat the odor included washing the shoes and drying them in the sun; using spray deodorant; or sprinkling the shoes with an antibacterial powder.
—ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Star anise may have some antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025
Thanks to honey’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties, this ritual also helps with acne scars, cleansing, and moisturizing, which feels like a bit of magic passed down from one generation to the next.
—Natasha López, Refinery29, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibacterial
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Chrystle Fiedler, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Common methods to combat the odor included washing the shoes and drying them in the sun; using spray deodorant; or sprinkling the shoes with an antibacterial powder.
—ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Star anise may have some antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025
Thanks to honey’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties, this ritual also helps with acne scars, cleansing, and moisturizing, which feels like a bit of magic passed down from one generation to the next.
—Natasha López, Refinery29, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibacterial
Cite this Entry
“Antibacterial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibacterial. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
antibacterial
1 of 2 adjective
an·ti·bac·te·ri·al
ˌant-i-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl
ˌan-ˌtī-
ˌan-ˌtī-
: directed or effective against bacteria
antibacterial
2 of 2 noun
: an antibacterial agent
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