vampire

noun

vam·​pire ˈvam-ˌpī(-ə)r How to pronounce vampire (audio)
Synonyms of vampirenext
1
: the reanimated body of a dead person believed to come from the grave at night and suck the blood of persons asleep
2
a
: one who lives by preying on others
b
: a woman who exploits and ruins her lover
3
vampiric adjective
vampirish adjective

Examples of vampire in a Sentence

regarded debt collectors as vampires who made a living from the misery of others
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.
In the one-woman play, Erivo portrays several roles, including the titular vampire. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026 Here, with Erivo embodying everyone from vampire to vampire hunter, doctor to madman, lover and suitor, there is a growing sense of connection between them all, particularly a well of unconscious desire that Dracula is reflecting, rather than merely exploiting. Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026 Sammie smashes Remmick over the head with his guitar before the vampire can sink his claws into him. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026 Nail artist Sojin Oh’s XXL press-on nails gripped Kim Shui’s collection like those of a fashion vampire headed straight to the front row of Taymour’s Collina Strada runway. Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vampire

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, borrowed from German Vampir, borrowed from Serbian vampir

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vampire was in 1732

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vampire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vampire. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

vampire

noun
vam·​pire ˈvam-ˌpī(ə)r How to pronounce vampire (audio)
1
: the body of a dead person believed to come from the grave at night and suck the blood of sleeping persons
2

Medical Definition

vampire

noun
vam·​pire ˈvam-ˌpī(ə)r How to pronounce vampire (audio)

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