bacterial

adjective

bac·​te·​ri·​al bak-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce bacterial (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria
bacterial infection
bacterially
bak-ˈtir-ē-ə-lē How to pronounce bacterial (audio)
adverb

Examples of bacterial 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.
Although generally hardy, the plant is susceptible to certain diseases, including anthracnose and bacterial soft rot, as well as pests such as spider mites, caterpillars, and whiteflies. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026 Pneumonic plague is the only form of the bacterial infection that can spread from person to person. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 The plague, the rare bacterial infection infamously known for killing tens of millions in 14th-century Europe, never went away. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 His heart valves showed no signs of bacterial growth, but trace backflow was detected across one of his valves, a finding present in most people. — Leah Pierson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bacterial

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bacterial was in 1869

Phrases Containing bacterial

Rhymes for bacterial

See All Rhymes for bacterial

Browse Nearby Words

bacteriacide
bacterial
bacterial blight
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bacterial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bacterial. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bacterial

adjective
bac·​te·​ri·​al bak-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce bacterial (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria

Medical Definition

bacterial

adjective
bac·​te·​ri·​al bak-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce bacterial (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by bacteria
a bacterial chromosome
bacterial infection
bacterial endocarditis
bacterially
-ə-lē How to pronounce bacterial (audio)
adverb
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