probiotic

American  

[proh-bahy-ot-ik] / ˌproʊ baɪˈɒt ɪk /

noun

1. a food, usually dairy, or a dietary supplement containing live bacteria that replace or add to the beneficial bacteria normally present in the gastrointestinal tract.

   This chewable probiotic is packed with 10 billion live cultures.

2. a bacterium in a food or dietary supplement that replaces or adds to the beneficial bacteria normally present in the gastrointestinal tract.

   The probiotic in this product is a close cousin of brewer's yeast.

---

adjective

1. being or relating to a food or dietary supplement containing live bacteria that replace or add to the beneficial bacteria normally present in the gastrointestinal tract.

   The doctor recommended a probiotic yogurt drink for my stomach problems.

probiotic British  

/ ˌprəʊbaɪˈɒtɪk /

noun

1. a harmless bacterium that helps to protect the body from harmful bacteria

2. a substance that encourages the growth of natural healthy bacteria in the gut

---

adjective

1. of or relating to probiotics

   probiotic yogurt

Etymology

Origin of probiotic

First recorded in 1950-55; pro- ¹ + biotic, modeled on antibiotic

Example Sentences

At Tiny Health’s suggestion, Allen started giving her son probiotic supplements, which she said helped his constipation and sleeping.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

The study examined how ASC affects probiotic bacteria as well.

From Science Daily • Feb. 2, 2026

Meanwhile, the first name of Kardashian’s Allura Grant could be a probiotic treatment for candidiasis.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2025

Instead of reaching for pricey probiotic shots or snacks, I recommend making these five easy food swaps to give your gut a boost.

From BBC • Nov. 4, 2025

But now, not only do people know what it is, but people are eating it, understanding the probiotic qualities that it has.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2025