lifeblood

noun

life·​blood ˈlīf-ˈbləd How to pronounce lifeblood (audio)
-ˌbləd
1
: blood regarded as the seat of vitality
2
: a vital or life-giving force or component
freedom of inquiry is the lifeblood of a university

Examples of lifeblood in a Sentence

The town's lifeblood has always been its fishing industry. The neighborhoods are the lifeblood of this city. the lifeblood that flows through his veins
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.
Major gifts are the lifeblood of any fundraising operation—90% of all donations come from just 10% of donors. Karen Cochran, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Tax laws and fiscal policies are the lifeblood of the modern state. Made By History, Time, 16 Apr. 2025 Pressing ahead: Amid war in Gaza, some Chicago-area Palestinians risking travel to homeland for olive harvest season For some, olive trees are the lifeblood of Palestinian culture, representing so much more than a pickled or pressed fruit. Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025 From delivering newborns to providing care to flight crew at an airline headquarters, healthcare has been her lifeblood. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lifeblood

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifeblood was in 1579

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifeblood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeblood. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

lifeblood

noun
life·​blood ˈlīf-ˈbləd How to pronounce lifeblood (audio)
: something that gives strength and energy

More from Merriam-Webster on lifeblood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!