antibody

noun

an·ti·body ˈan-ti-ˌbä-dē

: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight that are produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and act specifically against the antigen in an immune response, that are produced abnormally by some cancer cells, and that typically consist of four subunits including two heavy chains and two light chains

called also immunoglobulin

Examples of antibody in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Instead of making antibodies, the cancer cells make proteins that don't work and cause symptoms like bone pain. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 The researchers behind the new study suggest such alpha-gal antibody surveillance data can help identify areas with high prevalence ripe for further research. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026 The proof of concept arrived in 2021, when the company showed its antibody restored teeth in mice born without them due to a gene deficiency affecting dental development. — Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026 The antibodies bind to the virus’s surface glycoprotein, preventing it from entering human cells while also recruiting the immune system to eliminate infected cells. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for antibody

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of antibody was in 1894

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

antibody

noun

an·ti·body ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē

: a substance produced by special cells of the body that combines with an antigen and counteracts its effects or those of the microscopic plant or animal on which the antigen may occur

Medical Definition

antibody

noun

an·ti·body ˈant-i-ˌbäd-ē

plural antibodies

called also immunoglobulin

antibody

noun

Examples of antibody in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on antibody

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

effulgence

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes

antibody

noun

Examples of antibody in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing antibody

Rhymes for antibody

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on antibody

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

effulgence

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes