probiotic

noun

pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈä-tik 

-bē-ˈä-

: a microorganism (such as lactobacillus) that when consumed (as in a food or a dietary supplement) maintains or restores beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract

also : a product or preparation that contains such microorganisms compare prebiotic

probiotic adjective

Examples of probiotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Yogurt Some types of yogurt contain live, active cultures (probiotics), which are gut-friendly bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the body. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 7 May 2025

This includes everything from immune boosters and probiotics to biocollagen blends and thyroid health. —Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

The same lack of regulation applies to other supplements commonly marketed for UTI prevention, like probiotics and D-mannose (a type of sugar found in many fruits). —Korin Miller, SELF, 17 Mar. 2025

With 5 probiotics, 13 digestive enzymes, pomegranate, and herbs, this powerful capsule tackles digestion from a 360-degree approach. —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

pro- entry 2 + -biotic (as in antibiotic)

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for probiotic

• abiotic
• aeronautic
• apoptotic
• asymptotic
• cyanotic
• eukaryotic
• idiotic
• meiotic
• patriotic
• prebiotic
• prokaryotic
• semiotic

Medical Definition

probiotic

noun

pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈät-ik, -bē- 

: a microorganism (such as lactobacillus or bifidobacterium) that when consumed (as in a food or a dietary supplement) maintains or restores beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract

also : a product or preparation that contains such microorganisms compare prebiotic

probiotic adjective