SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

by blood

idiom

Definition of by blood

: by a relationship that connects two people through their natural parents, grandparents, etc.

My aunt and I are related by blood.

Word by Word Definitions

blood play

: the fluid that circulates in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins of a vertebrate animal carrying nourishment and oxygen to and bringing away waste products from all parts of the body
: a comparable fluid of an invertebrate
: a fluid resembling blood

: to stain or wet with blood
: bleed
: to expose (a hunting dog) to sight, scent, or taste of the blood of its prey

See the full definition of blood

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up by blood? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

homogeneous

play

of the same or a similar kind or nature

Words at Play

Noun + Verb Insult Generator

A collection of obscure put-downs

alt-5b0834b915e3f

'Judicial' v. 'Judicious': We'll Settle The Case

A judgment call

alt-5b06e60511014

'Deprived' vs. 'Depraved'

Nobody wants to be either.

alt-5b05d8545c817

'Folksonomy': Let’s Get Organized

Tag the way you want to tag.

Ask the Editors

video-ghost-words

Ghost Word

The story of an imaginary word that managed to sneak past our editors and enter the dictionary.

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

May 2018 Words of the Day Quiz

We’re already at the end of May?!

Take the quiz

Words Used by Nabokov Quiz

How familiar are you with Nabokov’s unfamiliar vocabulary?

Take the quiz

Name That Thing

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

Take the quiz

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!

Play the game