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

The base for Aonic Complete includes a multivitamin, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, omega 3, superfoods and greens. —Emily Burns, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

Taking probiotics while taking antibiotics may help support your gut health and improve digestion. —Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 8 Nov. 2025

Despite their different ingredients, both drinks contain probiotics and other nutrients that may be good for your gut. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2025

In a 2024 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology scientists found probiotics may reduce inflammation and pathogenic microbes in the gut, as well as potentially improve outcomes for cognition. —Lauryn Higgins, Time, 4 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