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

This snack offers a mix of probiotics, antioxidants, and healthy fats. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 1 Dec. 2025

Long-term use and overuse of probiotics can cause small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2025

As aforementioned, just remember to add it at the end of cooking to preserve its probiotics. —Lauren Manaker, SELF, 18 Nov. 2025

Sources of probiotics—like greek yogurt—also contribute to the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome, and promise to keep you full right up until lunch time. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Nov. 2025

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