neutrophil

1 of 2

adjective

neu·​tro·​phil ˈnü-trə-ˌfil How to pronounce neutrophil (audio)
ˈnyü-
variants or neutrophilic
ˌnü-trə-ˈfi-lik How to pronounce neutrophil (audio)
ˌnyü-
: staining to the same degree with acid or basic dyes
neutrophil granulocytes

neutrophil

2 of 2

noun

: a granulocyte that is the chief phagocytic white blood cell of the blood

Examples of neutrophil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Researchers found that alcohol can cause called neutrophils, a type of immune cell, to end up damaging the lining of the upper small intestine. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026 These medications can lower the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight bacterial infections. — Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Sep. 2025 Activation of the protein leads to rapid mobilization of immune cells, including gd T cells, monocytes and neutrophils, which induce inflammation. — Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025 The findings, reported in the scientific journal Nature, are that a type of white blood cell called neutrophils releases signals that slow fat breakdown when the body is introduced to stressors such as low temperatures. — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for neutrophil

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

International Scientific Vocabulary neutro- (from Latin neutr-, neuter neither) + -phil

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neutrophil was circa 1890

Rhymes for neutrophil

See All Rhymes for neutrophil

Browse Nearby Words

neutropenia
neutrophil
neutrophiline
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Neutrophil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutrophil. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

neutrophil

noun
neu·​tro·​phil
ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌfil
: a cell with fine grains in it that is the white blood cell doing most of the work in collecting and taking in stray and foreign matter

Medical Definition

neutrophil

1 of 2 adjective
neu·​tro·​phil ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌfil How to pronounce neutrophil (audio)
variants or neutrophilic
ˌn(y)ü-trə-ˈfil-ik How to pronounce neutrophil (audio)
also neutrophile
ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌfīl How to pronounce neutrophil (audio)
: staining to the same degree with acid or basic dyes
neutrophil granulocytes

neutrophil

2 of 2 noun
variants also neutrophile
: a granulocyte that is the chief phagocytic white blood cell

More from Merriam-Webster on neutrophil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neutrophil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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