Lifeblood/ˈlaɪfblʌd/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Importance Used to express the significance of a cultural element to a community or society. The traditional dance is the lifeblood of our cultural heritage. Pro Tip 2/3Economic Vitality Refers to a core element that sustains the economic health of a place. Small businesses are often the lifeblood of a thriving city center. Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical use It's used metaphorically to describe something essential but not literally related to blood. Innovation is the lifeblood of technology companies.