white blood cell

noun

: any of the blood cells that are colorless, lack hemoglobin, contain a nucleus, and include the lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils

called also leukocyte, white blood corpuscle, white cell

compare red blood cell

Examples of white blood cell in a Sentence

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.
Researchers hypothesize that white blood cells called macrophages—which normally engulf and destroy invading pathogens—aren't able to finish the job. ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025 It is designed to specifically target and destroy cancerous tumors while also stimulating the body's white blood cells to seek and destroy other cancer cells across the entire body. Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 Blood work showed the presence of eosinophils — a type of white blood cell that fights parasitic infections. Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 2 July 2025 Together, these nutrients support the development of a strong immune system by regenerating and increasing your white blood cells, which defend the body against bacteria, viruses, and free radicals (chemicals that can potentially damage cells).2 2. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for white blood cell

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of white blood cell was in 1852

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Cite this Entry

“White blood cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20blood%20cell. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

white blood cell

noun
: a colorless blood cell (as a lymphocyte) that lacks hemoglobin and contains a nucleus

called also leukocyte, white blood corpuscle, white cell, white corpuscle

Medical Definition

white blood cell

noun
: any of the blood cells of the immune system that are colorless, lack hemoglobin, contain a nucleus, and include the lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils along with their precursors and derivatives (as macrophages) : leukocyte
abbreviation WBC

called also white blood corpuscle, white cell, white corpuscle

compare red blood cell

More from Merriam-Webster on white blood cell

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