antibacterial

adjective

an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al ˌan-tē-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce antibacterial (audio) ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antibacterial (audio)
Synonyms of antibacterialnext
: 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

Examples of antibacterial 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.
It’s known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and laxative effects. — Hannah Harper, HEALTH, 1 Aug. 2026 Manuka honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. — Jenna Belhumeur, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026 If needed, use antibacterial wipes for surfaces, pockets, and seams. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 27 July 2026 Organosulfurs have potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that some believe can promote hair growth by improving scalp health. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for antibacterial

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antibacterial was in 1879

Rhymes for antibacterial

See All Rhymes for antibacterial

Browse Nearby Words

anti-backlash
antibacterial
antiballistic missile
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Cite this Entry

“Antibacterial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibacterial. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

antibacterial

adjective
an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al
ˌant-ē-ˌbak-ˈtir-ē-əl, 
ˌan-ˌtī-ˌbak-
: directed or effective against bacteria
antibacterial soap

Medical Definition

antibacterial

1 of 2 adjective
an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al ˌant-i-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce antibacterial (audio) ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antibacterial (audio)
: directed or effective against bacteria

antibacterial

2 of 2 noun
: an antibacterial agent

More from Merriam-Webster on antibacterial

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