lifeblood

noun

life·​blood ˈlīf-ˈbləd How to pronounce lifeblood (audio)
-ˌbləd
Synonyms of lifebloodnext
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
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.
Such growth is the lifeblood of the stock market, whose level tends to follow the track of corporate profits over the long term. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026 And his diagnosis of jealous hatred—where enjoying other people’s mistakes becomes your lifeblood, and knocking down your rivals becomes a reason to exist—still feels fresh and alive. Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026 In a way, comedy was our lifeblood, the mortar of our budding interests and personalities. Lee Kelly, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for lifeblood

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifeblood was in 1579

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifeblood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeblood. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

lifeblood

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

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