bloodshed

noun

blood·​shed ˈbləd-ˌshed How to pronounce bloodshed (audio)
Synonyms of bloodshednext
1
: the shedding of blood
2
: the taking of life : slaughter

Examples of bloodshed in a Sentence

Years of violence and bloodshed have left much of the country in ruins.
Recent Examples on the Web
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San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said in a news briefing that the security officer likely helped prevent further bloodshed. James Powel, USA Today, 18 May 2026 Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, every protest movement has been met with bloodshed. Alissa Simon, Variety, 16 May 2026 The last edition of the Biennale opened just seven months after October 7; this edition is truly the first to grapple fully with the bloodshed wrought since. Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 12 May 2026 The bloodshed comes as the NYPD amps up its fight against teen gun violence. Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bloodshed

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bloodshed was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Bloodshed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloodshed. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

bloodshed

noun
blood·​shed -ˌshed How to pronounce bloodshed (audio)
1
: the shedding of blood
2
: the taking of life : slaughter

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