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

Few have much evidence behind them, but two that Jooste and his colleagues highlight are vitamin D and probiotics. —Outside, 28 Jan. 2026

All Slice Sodas, including Pacific Pop and Apple, contain no high fructose corn syrup but do have a gut-loving combo of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in every single can. —Molly Burford, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026

It’s touted as a three-in-one supplement, because in addition to its two strains of probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. —Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026

Your pediatrician may recommend various products suitable for babies at particular ages, including baby probiotics, relief drops or even some homeopathic medicine. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026

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