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

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

For one, they’re loaded with vitamin C, which helps your body make certain white blood cells. — Lindsay Curtis, HEALTH, 15 Aug. 2026

Both diseases begin in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell made in the bone marrow. — Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Antioxidants in the fruit prompt your body to produce white blood cells that fight infection. — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 22 July 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