microbiota
noun
mi·cro·bi·o·ta
ˌmī-krō-bī-ˈō-tə 
: the microscopic organisms of a particular environment : microbiome sense 1
It's very possible that the master key to unlocking chronic disease will turn out to be the health and composition of the microbiota in your gut.—
Michael Pollan and Ruth Reichl
Michael Pollan and Ruth ReichlExamples of microbiota in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Your Gut Health May Improve Obesity has been linked to poor gut microbiota (the microorganisms, such as bacteria, that live in your gut).
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2026
However, other studies on those additives have found disruptions in gut microbiota and inflammation.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Favoring plant protein comes with a bonus, says Ben-Asher, because the dietary fiber and phytonutrients only found in plants is fuel for healthy microorganisms that colonize gut microbiota.
—Rachel Reiff Ellis, SELF, 5 Feb. 2026
More recently, a Canadian study reported that giving fecal microbiota transplants before patients started immunotherapy for lung cancer or melanoma was linked to higher response rates.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for microbiota
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2026
However, other studies on those additives have found disruptions in gut microbiota and inflammation.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Favoring plant protein comes with a bonus, says Ben-Asher, because the dietary fiber and phytonutrients only found in plants is fuel for healthy microorganisms that colonize gut microbiota.
—Rachel Reiff Ellis, SELF, 5 Feb. 2026
More recently, a Canadian study reported that giving fecal microbiota transplants before patients started immunotherapy for lung cancer or melanoma was linked to higher response rates.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for microbiota
Cite this Entry
“Microbiota.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microbiota. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
microbiota
noun
mi·cro·bi·o·ta
-bī-ˈōt-ə
: the microscopic organisms of a particular environment : microbiome sense 1
The more we learn about our microbiota, however, the more we realize how easy it is for helpful microbes to get caught in the line of fire between an antibiotic and its intended target.—Nathan Wolfe, National Geographic
Nathan Wolfe, National Geographic… the microbiota on the tongue differ from those species living in plaque on teeth.—Mel Rosenberg, Scientific American
Mel Rosenberg, Scientific AmericanLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
