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

However, eating yogurt with probiotics can provide anti-inflammatory properties, as well as immune-boosting zinc. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 31 Dec. 2025

High temperatures can kill the live bacteria that make up probiotics. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 29 Dec. 2025

This tangy alternative adds a little extra protein and gut-friendly probiotics to the chicken salad, too. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2025

Smart Skepticism, Not Cynicism The gut health supplement and functional beverage market isn’t pure snake oil — there’s real science behind probiotics and prebiotics, and real consumers need driving the trend. —Sara Braun, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Dec. 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