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.
This funding is the lifeblood of the partnership that has existed since the mid-20th century between the federal government and universities, which fueled our nation’s prosperity and long made American universities the envy of the world. Charles L. Welch, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 During the pandemic, the town became especially tight-knit, bonded by the uncertainty of the virus, the politics of an election year and the hardship of closing down restaurants and retail stores in a place where small businesses are an economic lifeblood. Ulysses Ortega, New York Times, 3 May 2025 But perhaps nothing provides a better snapshot of what defines Veach and his front office than the lifeblood of the NFL Draft, which will be held this year April 24-26 in Green Bay. Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025 Data is the lifeblood of AI, yet 64% of companies cite data quality as their top data integrity challenge. Rohit Anabheri, Forbes.com, 8 May 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 29 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

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