bloodshed

noun

blood·​shed ˈbləd-ˌshed How to pronounce bloodshed (audio)
1
: the shedding of blood
2
: the taking of life : slaughter

Examples of bloodshed in a Sentence

Years of violence and bloodshed have left much of the country in ruins.
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.
Imperiale may have agreed with Kinahan about the need to keep Dubai free of bloodshed. Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 Witch-burning, frightening folklore, and centuries of war and bloodshed have imparted an unsettling ambience in destinations like Edinburgh. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025 But after two years of bloodshed, boycotts and bitter division, the ceasefire offers at least one thing that has been in short supply — a moment to talk without bombs falling overhead. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025 The summit now turns toward stabilizing the region and preventing further bloodshed. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bloodshed

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bloodshed was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Bloodshed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloodshed. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

bloodshed

noun
blood·​shed -ˌshed How to pronounce bloodshed (audio)
1
: the shedding of blood
2
: the taking of life : slaughter

More from Merriam-Webster on bloodshed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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