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 of vampire

• predator
• shark

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

Jarmusch wrote and directed this story of laconic vampires, creatures who have lived so long and seen so much that the world mostly leaves them apathetic. —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 23 May 2026

However, when stars have a binary partner, white dwarfs can spring back to life like cosmic vampires by stripping material off these companion stars. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 May 2026

Like vampire Lucy, the kuntilanak is a selfish creature. —Literary Hub, 5 May 2026

Pajak’s Sam must drive home the lesson that the real vampires are those creatures who try to steal your true soul — your individuality. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

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