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.
Prebiotics and probiotics have separate roles but are designed to support each other. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 These purple Biodance eye patches are filled to the brim with caviar extract, salmon PDRN, probiotics, and caffeine to target dark circles, signs of fatigue, and sunken under-eyes. — Vivien Lee, InStyle, 15 Oct. 2026 For breakfast, Daikeler replaced standard options with a nutrient-dense shake containing protein, fiber, prebiotics, probiotics and greens, totaling roughly 250 calories. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Probiotics versus fiber Besides fiber, adding probiotics to your diet may also benefit your gut health. — Jean Liew, Fortune, 28 Sep. 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 27 Oct. 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
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