lifeblood
noun
life·blood
ˈlīf-ˈbləd 
-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
Data is the lifeblood of business today, and the CIO owns the organization's data strategy, ensuring users have access to the tools and information needed to execute their responsibilities.
—
Brian Spanswick, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Tonlé Sap, also referred to as the lifeblood of Cambodia's economy, connects five different provinces in Cambodia, leading to around half of the population relying solely on fishing to live.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Feb. 2024
Your generous support, whether monetary, vocal, or through active participation, are the lifeblood of this cause.
—Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 20 Jan. 2024
These events were the lifeblood of our community—bustling hubs of networking, learning and engagement.
—Dev Gadhvi, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
In a flash, Nevada saw its leisure and hospitality lifeblood quickly cut off.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 8 Feb. 2024
California’s ports are the lifeblood of the state’s economy supporting agriculture, manufacturing, and global trade abroad.
—Jasmeet Bains, Orange County Register, 5 Feb. 2024
Related Articles Director of Maryland psychiatric hospital allegedly threatened employees, no longer allowed in state facilities
The fund was structured with the hope of reducing the role of large private donations that have long been the lifeblood of campaigns in Baltimore and elsewhere.
—Emily Opilo, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2024
This is the lifeblood of golf, not any one player or even small fields limited to the stars.
—Doug Ferguson, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024
Brian Spanswick, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Tonlé Sap, also referred to as the lifeblood of Cambodia's economy, connects five different provinces in Cambodia, leading to around half of the population relying solely on fishing to live.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Feb. 2024
Your generous support, whether monetary, vocal, or through active participation, are the lifeblood of this cause.
—Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 20 Jan. 2024
These events were the lifeblood of our community—bustling hubs of networking, learning and engagement.
—Dev Gadhvi, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
In a flash, Nevada saw its leisure and hospitality lifeblood quickly cut off.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 8 Feb. 2024
California’s ports are the lifeblood of the state’s economy supporting agriculture, manufacturing, and global trade abroad.
—Jasmeet Bains, Orange County Register, 5 Feb. 2024
Related Articles Director of Maryland psychiatric hospital allegedly threatened employees, no longer allowed in state facilities
The fund was structured with the hope of reducing the role of large private donations that have long been the lifeblood of campaigns in Baltimore and elsewhere.
—Emily Opilo, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2024
This is the lifeblood of golf, not any one player or even small fields limited to the stars.
—Doug Ferguson, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024
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
Dictionary Entries Near lifeblood
Cite this Entry
“Lifeblood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeblood. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
lifeblood
noun
life·blood
ˈlīf-ˈbləd
: something that gives strength and energy
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