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
By adding the donor’s own immune cells (macrophages) to the chip, the team watched the war unfold in real time.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
Curcumin works with cells in the immune system, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, to enhance the body's defense capabilities.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 20 Dec. 2025
In the case of the influenza vaccine, the response is directed by dendritic cells, not by macrophages.
—Jay Kakade
december 20, New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2025
After a skin injury, the researchers found that macrophages, a type of white blood cell, infiltrate dermal adipose tissue, a tissue found in the layers of the skin.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for macrophage
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Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
Curcumin works with cells in the immune system, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, to enhance the body's defense capabilities.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 20 Dec. 2025
In the case of the influenza vaccine, the response is directed by dendritic cells, not by macrophages.
—Jay Kakade
december 20, New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2025
After a skin injury, the researchers found that macrophages, a type of white blood cell, infiltrate dermal adipose tissue, a tissue found in the layers of the skin.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for macrophage
Cite this Entry
“Macrophage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macrophage. Accessed 2 Jan. 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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