bio·hack
ˈbī-ō-ˌhak
plural biohacks
: a technique or practice for improving one's health, performance, or longevity often involving diet or lifestyle changes, technology, or therapeutic modalities (such as cryotherapy)
A lot of biohacks involve what you eat and when you eat it. You might experiment with an eating plan like the keto or Mediterranean diet …—Stephanie Langmaid
Cold water bathing dates back to the time of Ancient Greeks when it was used to help ease ailments like muscle and joint pain. Modern science has shown it offers many other benefits, which is why it's a popular biohack …—Wyatt Ewing
Sleep is often underrated in the pursuit of health and longevity, but Dr. [Gregory] Duhon stresses that it's one of the most powerful biohacks. Sleep affects everything from cognitive function to immune response, and getting enough restful sleep can significantly extend your lifespan.—San Francisco Examiner
bio·hack·ing
ˈbī-ō-ˌha-kiŋ
1
: biological experimentation (as by gene editing or the use of drugs or implants) done to improve the qualities or capabilities of living organisms especially by individuals and groups working outside a traditional medical or scientific research environment
Every November, college kids from Michigan to Munich descend on MIT, eager to show off their biohacking skills. In the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, teams battle one another to build the coolest synthetically altered organisms.—Alexandra Witze
often
: such experimentation done on one's own body
… the debate has intensified over whether biohacking—body modification and augmentation with the aim of gaining enhanced abilities—should be subject to strict regulation. Other biohacking stunts have included DIY biologists injecting themselves with CRISPR and with experimental HIV treatments. —Xavier Symons
Biohacking is still a niche field, but the possibilities are growing. The most successful innovations so far are small magnets that can be implanted in your fingertips, allowing you to feel electric fields. Also popular are … chips … which can be implanted under the skin and used as remote keys, wallets and data storage devices. —Frank Swain
2
: the act or practice of using biohacks to improve one's health, performance, or longevity
You don't have to spend thousands on fancy tech or live like a test subject to see results. At its best, biohacking is about being intentional with your habits and tracking how they affect your body and mind. Sleep more, move daily, eat whole foods, manage stress, and get sunlight.—Brandon Brigman
… cold water plunges, often used in sports medicine for post-workout recoveries, has become popular in biohacking to "stress" the body for a few minutes to toughen it while improving blood flow.—Andrea Valluzzo
biohack
transitive verb
biohacked; biohacking; biohacks
… I learned that you can biohack your period cycle, tailoring your lifestyle choices to your period cycle in order to maximize your personal well-being.
—Juliana Vasquez
biohacker
noun
plural biohackers
[Dave] Asprey, 42, is a self-described biohacker—somebody who uses science and technology to make his or her body function better and more efficiently. There are about 100,000 biohackers worldwide, Asprey estimates, and among them, he's a celebrity.
—Gordy Megroz
Cite this Entry
“Biohack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biohack. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.
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