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.
Any bloodshed is almost always strictly in service of a joke. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025 The resulting bloodshed brings the pair of goofy gendarmes into bewildered action, as the Zero cavalry trots in on short-legged white horses and Jony, Line, Rudy, and the local One leader, Jane (Anamaria Vartolomei), deploy on their respective sides. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2025 The bloodshed prompted an investigation by the ICC and a monthslong House of Representatives inquiry, as well as a separate Senate inquiry led by the cousin of the current president. Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 The bloodshed underscores fears the new authorities will be unable to contain the violence and bring stability to Syria, a country devastated by conflict since 2011. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 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 24 Mar. 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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