blood test

noun

: a test of the blood
specifically : a laboratory test in which a sample of blood is withdrawn from the body to analyze the level of substances or cells (such as glucose, hemoglobin, or white blood cells) that indicate the presence or probable development of a particular disease or medical condition (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer) or serve to indicate the degree of function of a specific organ (such as the liver or kidney)

Examples of blood test in a Sentence

He had a blood test, and the doctor who did it said his cholesterol was too high.
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.
At 24 weeks, Mahato was worried by Kabita’s pallid complexion and again recommended a blood test. ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 Cholesterol is measured through a blood test called a lipid panel. Gavin Escott, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026 The zoo explained that its animal care and veterinary teams are supporting the two dolphins with specialized training and health monitoring , including blood tests and weekly ultrasounds. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Imagine if a blood test could predict who would respond to a specific therapy, who required more intensive monitoring, or who was at risk of progressing toward a psychiatric emergency. Jamie Maguire, STAT, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blood test

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blood test was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blood test.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blood%20test. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

blood test

noun
: a test of the blood (as to detect the presence of disease-causing agents or determine the number of blood cells)

Medical Definition

blood test

noun
: a laboratory test in which a sample of blood is withdrawn from the body to analyze the level of substances or cells (as glucose, hemoglobin, or white blood cells) that indicate the presence or probable development of a particular disease or medical condition (as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer) or serve to indicate the degree of function of a specific organ (as the liver or kidney)

More from Merriam-Webster on blood test

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster