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

People often take probiotics after finishing a course of antibiotics, sometimes at a healthcare provider's advice. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2026

This confirms the probiotics are still effective. —Zia Sherrell, Health, 22 Apr. 2026

But most apple cider vinegar sold in stores is pasteurized, meaning it has been heated in a way that destroys those probiotics, Ehsani says. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 18 Apr. 2026

Fermented cabbage contains prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics that play an important role in gut health. —Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 15 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