bacterial
adjective
bac·te·ri·al
bak-ˈtir-ē-əl 
: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria
bacterial infection
Examples of bacterial in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Prolonged skin damage greatly increases risks of bacterial infections that can quickly turn lethal.
—
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
Warming a meal completely takes about 15 minutes, with the temperature reaching 55 ºC (131 ºF) to ensure adequate heating that does not damage nutrients and prevents bacterial contamination.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Legislative action is required to repeal the vaccine mandates for polio, diphtheria (a bacterial infection), rubeola (measles), rubella (a viral infection, also called German measles), pertussis (whooping cough), mumps and tetanus.
—Doris Alvarez Cea, Florida Times-Union, 4 Feb. 2026
Keeping your feet in a warm, damp environment can promote bacterial and fungal growth, which can contribute to foot odor and potentially infection.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bacterial
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.
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
Warming a meal completely takes about 15 minutes, with the temperature reaching 55 ºC (131 ºF) to ensure adequate heating that does not damage nutrients and prevents bacterial contamination.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Legislative action is required to repeal the vaccine mandates for polio, diphtheria (a bacterial infection), rubeola (measles), rubella (a viral infection, also called German measles), pertussis (whooping cough), mumps and tetanus.
—Doris Alvarez Cea, Florida Times-Union, 4 Feb. 2026
Keeping your feet in a warm, damp environment can promote bacterial and fungal growth, which can contribute to foot odor and potentially infection.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bacterial
Cite this Entry
“Bacterial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bacterial. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
