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
For generations, the Sea had been the lifeblood of the Karakalpak people, who lived as seminomadic pastoralists under various rulers, including khanates, tsars, the USSR, and now independent Uzbekistan.
—
Michael Snyder, Saveur, 11 Mar. 2026
Africa’s largest homegrown streaming platform was the lifeblood for many producers — particularly in South Africa.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026
Now, there are dozens because of young couples living and raising children in the apartment buildings that rose despite the same opposition from the same people who opposed Mizner Park, the lifeblood of the city.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
One official claimed that the administration has weighed easing the sanctions on Iran’s oil exports—the lifeblood of its economy—to reduce the spike in oil prices the war has brought.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lifeblood
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Michael Snyder, Saveur, 11 Mar. 2026
Africa’s largest homegrown streaming platform was the lifeblood for many producers — particularly in South Africa.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026
Now, there are dozens because of young couples living and raising children in the apartment buildings that rose despite the same opposition from the same people who opposed Mizner Park, the lifeblood of the city.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
One official claimed that the administration has weighed easing the sanctions on Iran’s oil exports—the lifeblood of its economy—to reduce the spike in oil prices the war has brought.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lifeblood
Cite this Entry
“Lifeblood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeblood. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lifeblood
noun
life·blood
ˈlīf-ˈbləd
: something that gives strength and energy
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