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 McKinsey’s small-business report confirms that micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the lifeblood of economies worldwide. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 20 June 2024 Pathogen samples and their genomic sequences are also the lifeblood of new diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics. Lawrence O. Gostin, Scientific American, 19 June 2024 St Martin's Visitors might find their time on Scilly a peaceful change of pace, but that's a stark contrast to the tireless energies of the thriving communities that are the islands' lifeblood. Julia O'Driscoll, The Week Uk, theweek, 11 June 2024 Small and independent grocers are the lifeblood of our communities, offering personalized service, unique products, and a sense of familiarity that cannot be replicated by larger corporations. Jon Leibowitz, Baltimore Sun, 8 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lifeblood 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lifeblood.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 2 Jul. 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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