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
People who got plasma exchange therapy paired with immune antibodies saw the largest effect, rolling back their biological clocks by an average of 2.6 years.
—
Jamie Ducharme, Health, 6 June 2025
When a person gets a vaccine or experiences a viral infection, the body churns out specialized immune cells and antibodies.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025
During the first month of their life, puppies need their mother's first milk, also known colostrum, which is rich in nutrients and antibodies, and helps help protect the puppies from illness as their immune system develops.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Also, newborns rely on maternal antibodies from the vaccine to protect them.
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
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.
Jamie Ducharme, Health, 6 June 2025
When a person gets a vaccine or experiences a viral infection, the body churns out specialized immune cells and antibodies.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025
During the first month of their life, puppies need their mother's first milk, also known colostrum, which is rich in nutrients and antibodies, and helps help protect the puppies from illness as their immune system develops.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Also, newborns rely on maternal antibodies from the vaccine to protect them.
—Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for antibody
Cite this Entry
“Antibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibody. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share