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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.
Prioritizing venue design recognizes the power of music, entertainment, immersive media and live connection as both cultural lifeblood and business advantage. Olivia Reid, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2025 How to Get Around CityCat Ferry Brisbane’s river is its lifeblood, and the CityCat is the best way to see it. Alli Forde, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025 Loyalty programs, which in large part make money from selling frequent flyer miles to banks, have now become the lifeblood of many airlines. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025 Gold remained a lifeblood of the nation into modern times. Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Oct. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lifeblood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeblood. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

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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