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

Probiotics versus fiber Besides fiber, adding probiotics to your diet may also benefit your gut health. — Jean Liew, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026

The brands fueling the trend The category has grown well beyond enzymes alone, folding in a broader anti-bloat routine that stacks prebiotics, probiotics and fiber. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

Soup and Salad Toppers Sauerkraut adds tangy, salty flavor to both fresh salads and comforting soups while providing gut-healthy probiotics. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 23 Sep. 2026

Keep in mind that probiotics can vary between drinks, so check the label. — Merve Ceylan, HEALTH, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for probiotic

• aprotic
• aquatic
• biotic
• chaotic
• cirrhotic
• demotic
• despotic
• dichotic
• erotic
• euphotic
• exotic
• fibrotic

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