warm-blooded

adjective

warm-blood·​ed ˈwȯrm-ˈblə-dəd How to pronounce warm-blooded (audio)
1
: having warm blood
specifically : having a relatively high and constant internally regulated body temperature relatively independent of the surroundings
2
: fervent or ardent in spirit
warm-bloodedness noun

Examples of warm-blooded in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Leopard seals are unique as being the only pinnipeds to prey largely on other warm-blooded creatures, including fellow seals. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024 When the living host dies, the flea seeks a new warm-blooded host. Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 This, combined with their slow metabolisms and warm-blooded bodies, can make cold snaps—as Florida has recently faced—quite dangerous. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2024 A little savvy based on our warm-blooded bodies, food, appliances, furniture, the outdoor elements and more can go a long way. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2024 All mammals are warm-blooded and expend great amounts of energy to keep their insides toasty, and consistently so. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2024 Historical research had provided cold physiology with three guiding principles relevant to many warm-blooded animals: Bergmann’s rule, Allen’s rule, and Thomson’s rule. Max G. Levy, WIRED, 6 Jan. 2024 Enterococci are bacteria found in the gut of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and can indicate that fecal matter is present in water. Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2023 This new addition means that there are likely more warm-blooded sharks than scientists thought and that warm bloodedness evolved quite a long time ago. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'warm-blooded.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of warm-blooded was in 1793

Dictionary Entries Near warm-blooded

Cite this Entry

“Warm-blooded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warm-blooded. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

warm-blooded

adjective
warm-blood·​ed
ˈwȯrm-ˈbləd-əd
1
: able to keep up a relatively high and constant body temperature that is mostly independent of that of the surrounding environment
birds and mammals are warm-blooded
2
: warm in feeling
warm-bloodedness noun

Medical Definition

warm-blooded

adjective
warm-blood·​ed ˈwȯrm-ˈbləd-əd How to pronounce warm-blooded (audio)
: having warm blood
specifically : having a relatively high and constant body temperature relatively independent of the surroundings
warm-bloodedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on warm-blooded

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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