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

Symptoms of low blood cell counts (low red blood cells, low white blood cells, and low platelets) are common during treatment with ZEJULA. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 9 Sep. 2026

Other studies have pointed toward elderberry’s support of the immune system as a pivotal contributor to the increasing number of white blood cells in the body. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2026

Participants in the vegan group had lower levels of certain white blood cells that promote inflammation, although the difference was not statistically significant. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 28 Aug. 2026

Training could also lead to DNA fragmentation or damage to sperm cells, which might cause miscarriages, as well as to concerningly high levels of white blood cells in ejaculate. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for white blood cell

• mademoiselle
• materiel
• subparallel
• antiparallel
• antipersonnel
• bagatelle
• calomel
• caravel
• carousel
• carrousel
• citadel
• clientele

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