blood pressure

noun

: pressure that is exerted by the blood upon the walls of the blood vessels and especially arteries and that varies with the muscular efficiency of the heart, the blood volume and viscosity, the age and health of the individual, and the state of the vascular wall

Examples of blood pressure in a Sentence

The doctor says he has high blood pressure.

These drugs help lower blood pressure.

She has a blood pressure of 120.

Recent Examples on the Web

Depending on your overall risk, your doctor may also suggest taking a statin to lower your cholesterol or starting or adjusting blood pressure medicine. — Matthew Nudy, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026

Some studies have found that regularly eating blueberries may help improve blood pressure and support healthy blood vessel function, both of which are important for heart health. — Lindsey Desoto, HEALTH, 5 Nov. 2026

Fiber-rich foods can also lower systolic blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by 15% to 30%. — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2026

Other areas researched include inflammation, headaches, lung function, arthritis, bone density, blood pressure and substance use. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for blood pressure

• refresher
• acupressure
• overpressure
• flesher
• fresher
• thresher

Kids Definition

blood pressure

noun

: pressure of the blood on the walls of blood vessels and especially arteries that varies with physical condition and age

Medical Definition

blood pressure

noun

: pressure exerted by the blood upon the walls of the blood vessels and especially arteries, usually measured on the radial artery by means of a sphygmomanometer, and expressed in millimeters of mercury either as a fraction having as numerator the maximum pressure that follows systole of the left ventricle of the heart and as denominator the minimum pressure that accompanies cardiac diastole or as a whole number representing the first value only

a blood pressure of 120/80

a blood pressure of 120

—abbreviation BP