: destroying fungi or inhibiting their growth : fungicidal, fungistatic
antifungal noun

Examples of antifungal 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.
So the fungus becomes resistant to the fungicide and, at the same time, our medical azoles [a class of antifungal drugs] do not work as well anymore. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 17 Apr. 2026 Three out of the four species can break down phenol, an antifungal compound that conservators used to treat the mummy in 1991. ArsTechnica, 6 June 2026 Hydrogen peroxide is a natural oxidizer and an antifungal agent that targets mold at the root. Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 25 June 2026 For more persistent or severe infections, a stronger antifungal medication such as a single-dose oral tablet or a longer treatment regimen may be prescribed, says Mitchell. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antifungal

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antifungal was in 1945

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antifungal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antifungal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

antifungal

1 of 2 adjective
: destroying fungi or inhibiting their growth : fungicidal, fungistatic
antifungal drugs
antifungal activity
antifungal therapy

antifungal

2 of 2 noun
: an antifungal agent
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