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

Along with vitamins and minerals, some types of cottage cheese are rich in probiotics, which are microorganisms that can benefit health, including gut health. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 29 Oct. 2025

While some studies show positive effects, more research is needed to determine if probiotics have a place in helping people with reflux. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 27 Oct. 2025

There is real proof, however, for specific foods and drinks like kiwi, rye bread, and mineral water, as well as psyllium, magnesium oxide, and probiotics. —Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Oct. 2025

The formula’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like glycerin, jojoba seed oil, rosehip oil, and sodium hyaluronate to bring back hydration after scrubbing away layers of shimmer and stage makeup, while probiotics help keep the skin barrier happy. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 Oct. 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