biohacking

American  

[bahy-oh-hak-ing] / ˈbaɪ oʊˌhæk ɪŋ /

noun

1. strategic biological experimentation, especially upon oneself, using technology, drugs, hormones, diet, etc., with the goal of enhancing or augmenting performance, health, mood, or the like.

   Genome editing could one day allow for biohacking your own emotional genetic makeup.

2. unethical, immoral, or illegal experimental use of genetic material.

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Etymology

Origin of biohacking

First recorded in 1990–95; bio- ( def. ) + hack ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The treatments on offer at Xtend and elsewhere have an air of science and spirituality to them—they are discussed at longevity conferences, biohacking meetups, and even immortalist churches.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

While Hemsworth has become increasingly interested in how to live better, he says there's a fine line between healthy aging and extreme biohacking.

From BBC • Aug. 4, 2025

Why don't biohacking podcasters discuss this addendum to the man's masterwork?

From Salon • Jul. 11, 2023

Jack Dorsey sets critics off by being super into biohacking.

From Washington Post • Nov. 16, 2021

Opentrons — which has grown to more than 500 employees — wasn’t the only biohacking firm to mobilize against COVID-19.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2021