antibacterial
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
Etymology
Origin of antibacterial
First recorded in 1895–1900; anti- + bacterial ( def. )
Compare meaning
How does antibacterial compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Something that's antibacterial works by killing bacteria or keeping it from growing. You might put antibacterial ointment on a cut to help keep it clean and free from infection. Officially, an antibiotic like penicillin is an antibacterial agent — it kills bacteria, microorganisms that cause disease. You're more likely to find the word antibacterial describing special soaps and lotions that don't just wash bacteria off your hands, but actually kill them. The word combines anti-, "against," and bacterial, from the Greek root bakterion, "small staff," which describes the shape of the first bacteria seen through microscopes.
Vocabulary lists containing antibacterial
Microbiology - High School
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Microbiology - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A graphene antibacterial toothbrush developed through patents from the faculty-led startup 'Materials Creation Co.,
From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2026
The soft and flexible gel is made with water and a choline based liquid that is antibacterial, nontoxic, and biocompatible.
From Science Daily • Feb. 22, 2026
The scientists took samples of those plants, tested them and discovered most had antibacterial properties.
From BBC • May 14, 2025
Studies support these claims, showing that probiotics like Lactobacillus can help with acne by producing antibacterial compounds that inhibit C. acnes and by reducing inflammation.
From Slate • Feb. 22, 2025
She rummaged through, handing Boaz antibacterial wipes, a tiny bottle of peroxide, Band-Aids, and a few packets of ibuprofen that had an expiration date of two years prior.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
