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.
Trump warns of 'massive bloodshed' if Hamas fails to agree to peace deal. FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025 The violence and bloodshed will stop. Callum Sutherland, Time, 3 Oct. 2025 After two years of this brutal war that has been livestreamed instantaneously around the globe, hard would be the heart of whoever does not greet the chance to end the bloodshed with anything but relief. Ben Wedeman, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025 The bloodshed prompted chaos in the small-town community not far from Flint. Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 28 Sep. 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 9 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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