bloodshed

noun

blood·​shed ˈbləd-ˌshed How to pronounce bloodshed (audio)
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
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.
European troops could be deployed to Ukraine under a potential ceasefire deal brokered by President Donald Trump, according to report on efforts to end the bloodshed following Russia's invasion of its neighbor. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025 Parliament swiftly lifted martial law, and law enforcement institutions including military, police, and security services avoided potential bloodshed by exercising restraint despite tense stand-offs. Charlie Campbell, Time, 4 Apr. 2025 Maddox further into a spiral that seems destined to end with bloodshed, whether realized or simply threatened. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025 Hasan would later give up his claim to avoid further bloodshed. Ismaeel Naar, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 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 28 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

bloodshed

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

More from Merriam-Webster on bloodshed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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