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.

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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

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adjective

1. of or relating to probiotics

   probiotic yogurt

Etymology

Origin of probiotic

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

Explanation

Probiotics are the health-boosting microorganisms that make yogurt so good for you. If you have indigestion, your doctor may suggest you try taking probiotics. Long before the term probiotic was coined, scientists noticed that people who traditionally ate yogurt had long, healthy lives. Nobel winner Élie Metchnikoff is credited with the idea that good microbes in the gut can push out the bad ones. These good microbes, in the form of food additives or supplements, got the name probiotics from the Latin pro, "for," and the Greek biōtikos, "fit for life" or "lively."

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

Both were tested on multiple types of bacteria, including harmful strains like Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, as well as beneficial probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

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

The best remedy is to focus on fruit and drinks first, rather than worrying about the latest probiotic in the supermarket, she says.

From BBC • Oct. 13, 2025

And I take a little probiotic because I am 48.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2025