blue blood

[ bloo bluhd bloo bluhd ]

noun

1. an aristocrat, noble, or member of a socially prominent family.
2. aristocratic, noble, or socially prominent lineage or relatives:

   They boasted a lineage of pure blue blood.

blue blood

noun

1. royal or aristocratic descent

Derived Forms

• ˈblue-ˈblooded, adjective

Other Words From

• blue-blooded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue blood¹

1825–35; translation of Spanish sangre azul. See sanguine, azure

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue blood¹

C19: translation of Spanish sangre azul

Example Sentences

With costs escalating and the networks increasingly dependent on the big brands to generate market-setting ratings, the blue bloods have greater influence than they did even a decade ago.

From Seattle Times

The conference is devoid of football blue bloods, which is both a weakness and a strength.

From Seattle Times

Because Suletta’s home planet of Mercury is considered to be the sticks, the blue blood elites that make up most of the student body immediately turn their noses up at Suletta.

From Salon

The Big 12 is losing its blue bloods.

From Seattle Times

It’s a second-rate gig in a first-rate conference with a blue blood program a few miles down the road.

From Seattle Times