antimicrobial
adjective
an·ti·mi·cro·bi·al
ˌan-ti-mī-ˈkrō-bē-əl 
: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms
antimicrobial
noun
Examples of antimicrobial in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the colonies have figured out how to heal their fighters: The ants generate antimicrobial secretions to prevent infection.
—
Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
Far from just being cute animals featured on internet memes, alpacas are the rising stars of the natural fibers world, boasting several highly appealing qualities such as being soft, light, and hypoallergenic, as well as odor-resistant, antimicrobial, and moisture-wicking.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
Make that a rosemary shampoo to get double the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and circulation-boosting benefits.
—Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 11 Dec. 2024
Orange oil, extracted from orange peels, offers natural antimicrobial properties and a pleasant fragrance.
—Jacob Lee, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for antimicrobial 
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.
Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
Far from just being cute animals featured on internet memes, alpacas are the rising stars of the natural fibers world, boasting several highly appealing qualities such as being soft, light, and hypoallergenic, as well as odor-resistant, antimicrobial, and moisture-wicking.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
Make that a rosemary shampoo to get double the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and circulation-boosting benefits.
—Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 11 Dec. 2024
Orange oil, extracted from orange peels, offers natural antimicrobial properties and a pleasant fragrance.
—Jacob Lee, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for antimicrobial
Dictionary Entries Near antimicrobial
Cite this Entry
“Antimicrobial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antimicrobial. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
antimicrobial
1 of 2 adjective
an·ti·mi·cro·bi·al
ˌant-i-mī-ˌkrō-bē-əl
variants
also antimicrobic
: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms
antimicrobial
2 of 2 noun
variants
also antimicrobic
: an antimicrobial substance
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share