lifeblood

noun

life·​blood ˈlīf-ˈbləd How to pronounce lifeblood (audio)
-ˌbləd
1
: blood regarded as the seat of vitality
2
: a vital or life-giving force or component
freedom of inquiry is the lifeblood of a university

Examples of lifeblood in a Sentence

The town's lifeblood has always been its fishing industry. The neighborhoods are the lifeblood of this city. the lifeblood that flows through his veins
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.
Rotation is the lifeblood of bull markets and here the rotation is global, from the US to the rest. Moneyshow, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 At 80 or 70 or 60, expectations created are the lifeblood of sporting hope. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025 Living among poets, Brainard began his first forays into writing, which were published in Berrigan’s journal C, and also in other small presses and publications that were the lifeblood of the period’s innovative writing. David S. Wallace, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025 Retail spending, which is the lifeblood of the economy, is waning, while measures of consumer confidence show a sharp deterioration of late. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lifeblood

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifeblood was in 1579

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Cite this Entry

“Lifeblood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeblood. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

lifeblood

noun
life·​blood ˈlīf-ˈbləd How to pronounce lifeblood (audio)
: something that gives strength and energy

More from Merriam-Webster on lifeblood

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