lifeblood

noun

life·​blood ˈlīf-ˈbləd 

-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

Partnerships with artists, fans, media outlets, sponsors, vendors or community stakeholders are the lifeblood of long-term brand growth. —Terri Liebler, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2026

Whether such moves are enough to safeguard the company at a time when its lifeblood is increasingly under threat remains to be seen, but Shelley is optimistic. —Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026

Data is the lifeblood of AI, and P & G has plenty of it. —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026

Still, the lifeblood of her legacy flows strong through San Antonio and beyond, with fans all over Texas celebrating her impact through tribute events. —Rhyma Castillo, San Antonio Express-News, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifeblood

• waterflood
• blood
• bud
• crud
• dud
• flood
• mud
• rud
• scud
• spud
• stud
• thud

Kids Definition

lifeblood

noun

life·​blood ˈlīf-ˈbləd 

: something that gives strength and energy