probiotic

noun

pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈä-tik How to pronounce probiotic (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Standouts include prebiotics and probiotics to help balance the scalp biome, salicylic acid to slough away dry skin and stave off flakiness, and biotin to support thickness once growth kicks into gear. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026 The probiotics in yogurt may help support gut health by increasing healthy bacteria while crowding out potentially harmful microbes. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 31 July 2026 Taking certain probiotics can also increase the share of good bacteria, but that doesn’t work universally or in the long term. — Sarah Digregorio, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026 Studies suggest probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal transplants could offer therapeutic potential. — Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for probiotic

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of probiotic was in 1974

Rhymes for probiotic

See All Rhymes for probiotic

Browse Nearby Words

probertite
probiotic
probit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Probiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probiotic. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

probiotic

noun
pro·​bi·​ot·​ic prō-bī-ˈät-ik, -bē- How to pronounce probiotic (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on probiotic

Nglish: Translation of probiotic for Spanish Speakers

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