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 new study did not investigate the effect of probiotics on bacterial diversity. —Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026

The protein helps satisfy hunger, and the probiotics support gut health. —Lauren Manaker, SELF, 10 Mar. 2026

Built around yogurt or kefir and collagen rather than protein powder, this smoothie delivers probiotics, amino acids and natural fruit sugars without a trip to the supplement aisle. —Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026

Because of these potential effects, when prescribing antibiotics, physicians may recommend consuming foods like yogurt or kefir, which contain probiotics (live cultures) that can help replenish the microbiome with beneficial bacteria. —Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 10 Mar. 2026

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