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
Dental care: The polyphenols in pomegranate have antibacterial properties that may reduce bacteria that produce dental plaque and lower their ability to cling to teeth.12
Diabetes: Ellagitannins block enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, which can help lower blood sugar spikes after meals.
—Md Published, Verywell Health, 12 July 2025
Once the surface is completely wiped down and dry, follow up with an antibacterial spray, following the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure optimal efficacy.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
Applying an antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage that won’t stick to the wound.
—Cheryl Vari, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Inside the phagosome, this lactate communicates to the neutrophil that bacteria are present and that the antibacterial processes are not sufficient to kill these pathogens.
—Andrew Monteith, The Conversation, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibacterial
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Md Published, Verywell Health, 12 July 2025
Once the surface is completely wiped down and dry, follow up with an antibacterial spray, following the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure optimal efficacy.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
Applying an antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage that won’t stick to the wound.
—Cheryl Vari, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Inside the phagosome, this lactate communicates to the neutrophil that bacteria are present and that the antibacterial processes are not sufficient to kill these pathogens.
—Andrew Monteith, The Conversation, 25 June 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 19 Jul. 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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