vampire

noun

vam·​pire ˈvam-ˌpī(-ə)r 

1

: the reanimated body of a dead person believed to come from the grave at night and suck the blood of persons asleep

2

a

: one who lives by preying on others

b

: a woman who exploits and ruins her lover

3

: vampire bat

vampiric

vam-ˈpir-ik 

adjective

vampirish

ˈvam-ˌpī(-ə)r-ish 

adjective

Synonyms

• bloodsucker
• buzzard
• harpy
• kite
• predator
• shark
• vulture
• wolf

Examples of vampire in a Sentence

regarded debt collectors as vampires who made a living from the misery of others

Recent Examples on the Web

Sinners — director Ryan Coogler’s hit vampire thriller starring Michael B. Jordan — is new on digital streaming this week. —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

And like microscopic vampires, the mites have evolved to avoid ultraviolet rays from the sun, which easily destroys their DNA. —Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 30 May 2025

In the music video, released earlier this month, Wolfgang performs for a club filled with zombies and vampires — and his mom steps in to fight the menacing creatures. —Staff Author, People.com, 28 May 2025

Synopsis: Set in a timeless English village, where everything is picturesque – everything, that is, except for the vampires living in the castle on the hill who come out at night for a little drink of the locals. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, borrowed from German Vampir, borrowed from Serbian vampir

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing vampire

• vampire bat

Kids Definition

vampire

noun

vam·​pire ˈvam-ˌpī(ə)r 

1

: the body of a dead person believed to come from the grave at night and suck the blood of sleeping persons

2

: vampire bat

Medical Definition

vampire

noun

vam·​pire ˈvam-ˌpī(ə)r 

: vampire bat