# antibacterial

/ˌæntibækˈtɪɹiəɫ/ (US) · /ˌæntɪbæktˈiəɹɪəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/antibacterial
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a substance that kills or stops the growth of bacteria. You often find it in soaps, lotions, or cleaning products to help prevent infections.

For teachers: a substance that inhibits the growth of or destroys bacteria. Often used in the context of medical treatments or household cleaning products.

## Examples

- The doctor prescribed an antibacterial cream for the small cut.
- Many modern toothpastes contain antibacterial agents to help reduce the risk of gum disease and bad breath.
- The hospital implemented a strict protocol for using antibacterial solutions to sterilize equipment between patients, significantly reducing the incidence of post-operative infections.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.