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.
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
Previously, Rolf Müller, Jennifer Herrmann and colleagues showed that genetically engineered versions of darobactin have antibacterial activity.
From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2024
Due to increasing antibiotic resistance in pathogens causing infections, the development of new antibacterial substances is important.
From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2024
“Well, make sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap.”
From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas
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.
