lifeblood

noun

life·​blood ˈlīf-ˈbləd How to pronounce lifeblood (audio)
-ˌbləd
1
: blood regarded as the seat of vitality
2
: a vital or life-giving force or component
freedom of inquiry is the lifeblood of a university

Examples of lifeblood in a Sentence

The town's lifeblood has always been its fishing industry. The neighborhoods are the lifeblood of this city. the lifeblood that flows through his veins
Recent Examples on the Web Seb Daly—Sportsfile/Getty Images Creating more impact with sports fans No matter the sport, fans are the lifeblood of the industry. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 20 Apr. 2024 The largest tributary of the Klamath River, the Trinity flows 165 miles through the Klamath Mountains and Coast ranges and is considered the lifeblood of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, Yurok Tribe and the Nor El Muk Band of Wintu Indians. USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lifeblood 

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

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifeblood was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near lifeblood

Cite this Entry

“Lifeblood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeblood. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

lifeblood

noun
life·​blood ˈlīf-ˈbləd How to pronounce lifeblood (audio)
: something that gives strength and energy

More from Merriam-Webster on lifeblood

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