antimicrobial

American  

[an-tee-mahy-kroh-bee-uhl, an-tahy‑] / ˌæn ti maɪˈkroʊ bi əl, ˌæn taɪ‑ /

adjective

1. destructive to or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

   an antimicrobial spray to stop the spread of athlete’s foot in the locker room; antimicrobial ointments that suppress the cold sore virus.

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noun

1. an antimicrobial product. Antimicrobials are generally regulated into two categories—those used on inanimate objects, as wipes for kitchen counters, and those used in or on living things, as antibiotics or hand sanitizers.

   Any product that kills bacteria or viruses is an antimicrobial, but that doesn’t mean any antimicrobial will kill both bacteria and viruses.

antimicrobial British  

/ ˌæntɪmaɪˈkrəʊbɪəl /

adjective

1. capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of disease-causing microbes

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Etymology

Origin of antimicrobial

First recorded in 1900–05; anti- + microbial

Compare meaning

How does antimicrobial compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• antimicrobial vs. antibacterial

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

antimicrobial

The abrasive texture of shark skin repels barnacles and has inspired antimicrobial surface coatings for hospitals; the seeds of a flowering plant offer clues to the designers of probes destined for other worlds.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

"Gonorrhoea remains a major global public health threat, particularly with the continued emergence of antimicrobial resistance, and an effective vaccine remains a high priority," she said.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

Thermo Fisher on Monday said the microbiology business, which provides antimicrobial susceptibility testing and culture media solutions for clinical, pharmaceutical and food-safety testing, generated $645 million in revenue last year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026

There are its health benefits, such as boosting immunity, reducing inflammation and providing antimicrobial effects.

From Salon ● Apr. 19, 2026

This antimicrobial effect works against many different bacteria, including some that are resistant to conventional antibiotics.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 16, 2026