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

In Interview With the Vampire a reporter records the story of Louis de Pointe du Lac, a 200-year-old vampire filled with the type of self-loathing only centuries in one’s own company can inflict. —Marianne Gordon, Peoplemag, 19 June 2024

Lutz’s breakout role came in 2008’s Twilight as vampire Emmett Cullen. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 13 June 2024

This show slurps the marrow out of its many hours the way its vampires suck blood from their victims: sexily, dramatically, full of vim and deranged gusto. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 13 May 2024

The investigation began in 2018 when a woman with no other risk factors for HIV tested positive for the virus after receiving a vampire facial at VIP Spa. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2024

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