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

Yogurt is packed with nutrients like calcium, probiotics, and protein, which help strengthen bones and aid digestion. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026

You Gurzick noted that probiotic foods help some people more than others because people have different gut microbiomes and there are many strains and species of probiotics. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026

Foods like yogurt and kefir offer gut-friendly probiotics, and milk is often fortified with vitamin D. —Anthea Levi, Health, 28 Apr. 2026

Yogurt and probiotics often get the spotlight for gut health, but a number of everyday foods already sitting in your kitchen may offer similar benefits. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for probiotic

• aprotic
• aquatic
• biotic
• chaotic
• cirrhotic
• despotic
• dichotic
• erotic
• euphotic
• exotic
• fibrotic
• hieratic

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