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.
Scale back sulfur-rich foods, pour more water, build meals around fruits and vegetables, and keep a consistent bathing routine with antibacterial soap. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026 Cleveland Clinic says the most effective prevention is a consistent and thorough bathing routine with regular showers and antibacterial soap focused on areas where apocrine glands sit, like the groin and armpits. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026 The formula is packed with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial ingredients like turmeric and heartleaf extract. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026 After washing, the appliance can move through steam sanitization and hot-air drying before entering a 72-hour antibacterial storage mode, which circulates filtered air to help keep cleaned parts dry and ready for use. — New Atlas, 9 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 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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