blood work

noun

variants or less commonly bloodwork
: the diagnostic testing of blood
Some of the kids had blood work done to look at their glucose, insulin, triglycerides and cholesterol levels, which are markers for the risk of type 2 diabetes and future cardiovascular disease.Nanci Hellmich
Something else in her blood work intrigued the doctor: nearly half of the white cells seen were a single type of infection-fighting cell—eosinophils.Lisa Sanders

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web My blood work reveals that only my vitamin D level is low. Drew Magary, Men's Health, 28 Mar. 2023 In general, people should plan to have their blood work done every three or so years. Julia Ries, Health, 9 Mar. 2023 You’re supposed to get blood work every three months to make sure that your kidneys and pancreas and gallbladder haven’t failed you. David Remnick, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2023 Anderson grabbed the ultrasound machine while Campbell started doing blood work. The Arizona Republic, 20 Mar. 2023 Routine blood work does not typically call for testosterone measurement, so my doctor was sure to add it to the order. Matt Bach, Men's Health, 25 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blood work.' 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

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blood work was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near blood work

Cite this Entry

“Blood work.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blood%20work. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Medical Definition

blood work

noun
variants also bloodwork
: the diagnostic testing of blood
The medical team immediately jumped into action ordering blood work and a chest X-ray, placing an IV line and administering antibiotics.Kiran Gupta, The Boston Globe
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!