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

Distributions to investors, the lifeblood of the entire ecosystem, have fallen far below the historical norm of 15% to 20%. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 June 2026

Diesel is the lifeblood of the food supply chain, fueling trucks and ships. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 June 2026

These nominees and winners embody the innovation, creativity, and authenticity that are the lifeblood of our industry. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 9 June 2026

At competitions and practices, during matches and in the stands, supporters of the programs point to students — covered in face paint, sporting team uniforms, and full of energy during events — as the future lifeblood of this key industry. —P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 8 June 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