probiotic

noun

pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈä-tik How to pronounce probiotic (audio)
-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
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.
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 Certain probiotics also stimulate intestinal muscles to contract more effectively, which can move stool in your colon. Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025 Results from taking probiotics can also vary from person to person, with some seeing immediate results within a few days, while others take longer to see symptom relief. Ashley Wong, Health, 10 Oct. 2025 Marvasti said eating a quarter-cup of kimchi several times a week is enough to introduce necessary probiotics and phytonutrients into your gut biome. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for probiotic

Word History

Etymology

pro- entry 2 + -biotic (as in antibiotic)

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of probiotic was in 1974

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Probiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probiotic. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

probiotic

noun
pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈät-ik, -bē- How to pronounce probiotic (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on probiotic

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