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

And despite their popularity, probiotics are not recommended for preventing travelers’ diarrhea, as their efficacy is still unknown. — Andrés Henao, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026

Kefir and fiber-rich smoothies provide probiotics or fiber that can support gut health and regular bowel movements. — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2026

Prebiotics and probiotics have separate roles but are designed to support each other. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Made by fermenting milk with kefir grains (which aren’t actually grains but rather a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts), kefir is a lightly effervescent, tart, and tangy drink teeming with probiotics. — Olivia Tarantino, Martha Stewart, 18 Oct. 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