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.
Your teams—not your customers—are the lifeblood of your business. Joe Altieri, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The rhythm of business is dictated by the swift movement of goods and information, and the supply chain stands as the lifeblood of global commerce. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2024 Prioritize Financial Planning and Money Management Money is the lifeblood of any business, and poor financial management is one of the top reasons for business failure. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Its lifeblood is the active participation and engagement of citizens every day to create a more perfect union. Peggy O’Neal Faith Matters, arkansasonline.com, 19 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near lifeblood

Cite this Entry

“Lifeblood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeblood. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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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