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.
But amid the bloodshed, there was also a sense of closure for this chaotic and influential Montana family. William Earl, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024 Both involved some actual bloodshed, which probably accounts for their relative fame. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 For some, the assassination was held up as evidence of a divided country obsessed with bloodshed. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024 Much like the original 2000 film, Gladiator II ends with a lot of bloodshed. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 23 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near bloodshed

Cite this Entry

“Bloodshed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloodshed. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

bloodshed

noun
blood·​shed -ˌshed How to pronounce bloodshed (audio)
1
: the shedding of blood
2
: the taking of life : slaughter
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!