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

Your Gut Health May Improve Greek yogurt contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 1 Apr. 2026

Plus, it’s filled with probiotics. —Philipp Wehsack, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026

The same goes for certain types of probiotics, bacteria-containing products that are pitched to aid digestion and promote gut health. —ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026

Loaded with black rice probiotics and barrier-loving ceramides and lipids, this milky serum brings stressed skin back from the brink—turning red, dry patches into a thing of the past. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026

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