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.
But reason-giving is the lifeblood of judicial action. Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 16 July 2025 Volunteerism has long been the lifeblood of the nonprofit sector. Leslye Moore, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 Currently, the size of the US economy and the stability of the dollar have made the greenback the lifeblood of global finance – and a significant factor in American global power. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 10 July 2025 Epstein’s alleged connection to powerful figures in politics, business and entertainment has been the lifeblood of right-wing conspiracy theories since the 66-year-old Brooklyn native was taken into custody and later took his own life. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 8 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lifeblood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeblood. Accessed 23 Jul. 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

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