vampire

noun

vam·​pire ˈvam-ˌpī(-ə)r 

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

: vampire bat

vampiric

vam-ˈpir-ik 

adjective

vampirish

ˈvam-ˌpī(-ə)r-ish 

adjective

Synonyms

• bloodsucker
• buzzard
• harpy
• kite
• predator
• shark
• vulture
• wolf

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

The Wicked actress will star as the titular vampire, as well as the 22 other roles, in an adaptation of Dracula set to debut in London’s West End in February 2026, per Deadline. —Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 13 May 2025

In Coogler’s cinematic and musical world of vampire horror, the Chinese characters are deeply integrated into the Delta’s Black community, dancing alongside Black partygoers. —Erika Hayasaki, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025

Ryan Coogler's period vampire thriller, Sinners, maintains a strong hold on second place with $21 million. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 May 2025

Elsewhere in the film, the Irish vampire Remmick, pursued by Choctaw vampire hunters, tricks his way into the protection of a pair of Klan members living near Clarksdale and turns them into creatures of the night. —Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 2 May 2025

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

Phrases Containing vampire

• vampire bat

Kids Definition

vampire

noun

vam·​pire ˈvam-ˌpī(ə)r 

1

: the body of a dead person believed to come from the grave at night and suck the blood of sleeping persons

2

: vampire bat

Medical Definition

vampire

noun

vam·​pire ˈvam-ˌpī(ə)r 

: vampire bat