In this study, zinc tungstate (ZnWO₄) nanopowders were synthesized via a chemical method, and the effect of cerium (Ce) doping on their structural and antimicrobial properties was investigated. ZnWO₄ is a well-known semiconductor material with high thermal stability, chemical resistance, and ultraviolet absorption capability, making it suitable for applications in biomedicine, water purification, and photocatalysis. Structural analyses revealed that the incorporation of cerium into the ZnWO₄ lattice improved the crystallinity and enhanced the structural integrity of the host material. Furthermore, the antimicrobial performance of the synthesized nanomaterials was evaluated against both Gram-positive (*Staphylococcus aureus*) and Gram-negative (*Escherichia coli*) bacteria. The results demonstrated significant antibacterial activity in both pure and Ce-doped ZnWO₄ samples, with the Ce-doped samples exhibiting superior performance. This enhancement was attributed to increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which lead to bacterial cell wall disruption. Overall, the findings suggest that cerium-doped ZnWO₄ nanomaterials possess great potential for use in medical, hygienic, and antimicrobial applications, including disinfectants and antimicrobial coatings.