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 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

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