blood pressure

noun

: pressure that is exerted by the blood upon the walls of the blood vessels and especially arteries and that varies with the muscular efficiency of the heart, the blood volume and viscosity, the age and health of the individual, and the state of the vascular wall

Examples of blood pressure in a Sentence

The doctor says he has high blood pressure. These drugs help lower blood pressure. She has a blood pressure of 120.
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.
Physical activity, blood pressure, hearing loss, smoking, social isolation, sleep, nutrition, stress management and recovery can all influence our long-term health. — Mick Safron, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Fiber is key for supporting digestion and balancing blood sugar, while potassium is needed for lowering blood pressure, says Elick. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 The bleeding was severe, her blood pressure plummeted, her breathing and heart function stopped. — Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 Khan said that studies have shown GLP-1s and dual GIP/GLP-1 medications decrease cardiovascular risk by lowering blood pressure, reducing systemic inflammation and improve blood lipid profiles alongside weight loss. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blood pressure

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blood pressure was in 1854

Rhymes for blood pressure

See All Rhymes for blood pressure

Browse Nearby Words

blood poor
blood pressure
blood price
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blood pressure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blood%20pressure. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

blood pressure

noun
: pressure of the blood on the walls of blood vessels and especially arteries that varies with physical condition and age

Medical Definition

blood pressure

noun
: pressure exerted by the blood upon the walls of the blood vessels and especially arteries, usually measured on the radial artery by means of a sphygmomanometer, and expressed in millimeters of mercury either as a fraction having as numerator the maximum pressure that follows systole of the left ventricle of the heart and as denominator the minimum pressure that accompanies cardiac diastole or as a whole number representing the first value only
a blood pressure of 120/80
a blood pressure of 120
—abbreviation BP

More from Merriam-Webster on blood pressure

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about blood pressure

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