noun
bloodsucker
BLUHD-suhk
Bloodsucker (noun) means a creature, such as a leech or mosquito, that feeds by sucking blood. Example: “Leeches are famous bloodsuckers used in old medical treatments.”
noun
1
A creature, such as a leech or mosquito, that feeds by sucking blood.
"I once saw a boy who waded beyond the gravel walk out of the water with bloodsuckers fringing his ankles like leaves."
— Larry Woiwode, Beyond the Bedroom Wall (1975)
"Leeches are famous bloodsuckers used in old medical treatments."
2
(informal) A person who exploits or drains others for personal gain.
"He called his landlord a bloodsucker for raising the rent so often."
How to use bloodsucker
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally an animal that feeds on blood; figuratively, someone who exploits others.
Common pairings
a corporate bloodsucker
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like bloodsucker.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- bloodsuckers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Leeches are famous _____ used in old medical treatments.
Etymology
From blood + sucker. The “changeable lizard” sense is perhaps because of the reddish color of its neck.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for bloodsucker
See all rhymes for bloodsucker →Frequently asked questions
What does “bloodsucker” mean?
The word “bloodsucker” means a creature, such as a leech or mosquito, that feeds by sucking blood. In plain terms, literally an animal that feeds on blood; figuratively, someone who exploits others.
How do you pronounce “bloodsucker”?
“Bloodsucker” is pronounced BLUHD-suhk (/ˈblʌdˌsʌkɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bloodsucker” in a sentence?
Here is “bloodsucker” used in a sentence: “Leeches are famous bloodsuckers used in old medical treatments.”
What part of speech is “bloodsucker”?
“Bloodsucker” is a noun.
How many meanings does “bloodsucker” have?
“Bloodsucker” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a creature, such as a leech or mosquito, that feeds by sucking blood.
