blood type: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “blood type” mean?
A classification of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The most common systems are ABO and Rh (Rhesus).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A classification of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The most common systems are ABO and Rh (Rhesus).
A medical categorization used to ensure safe blood transfusions and organ transplants, and to determine biological relationships. Informally, it can be used to refer to one's fundamental nature or inherited characteristics, as in 'We have the same blood type when it comes to competitiveness.'
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency in medical and general contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “blood type” in a Sentence
have + (a) blood typebe + (a) blood typedetermine + blood typematch + blood typeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blood type” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hospital will type your blood before the procedure.
American English
- They need to type your blood before the surgery.
adjective
British English
- Blood-type compatibility is crucial for transfusions. (compound adjective)
American English
- A blood-type test is part of the standard check-up. (compound adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in contexts related to healthcare, insurance, or pharmaceuticals.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and forensic science texts.
Everyday
Common in discussions of health, medical history, donation, and family traits.
Technical
The standard term in medicine, transfusion services, and serology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blood type”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blood type”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blood type”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They blood typed him' is not standard; use 'They determined his blood type.').
- Capitalizing unnecessarily (e.g., 'He is Blood Type A' – usually not capitalized unless starting a sentence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are perfect synonyms and can be used interchangeably in all contexts.
In the ABO system, there are four main types: A, B, AB, and O. Each can be positive or negative based on the Rh factor, making eight primary categories.
It is critical for safe medical procedures. Giving someone incompatible blood during a transfusion can cause a severe, potentially fatal immune reaction.
No, a laboratory test using a blood sample is required to determine your blood type accurately. Home test kits exist but are not as reliable.
A classification of blood based on the presence or absence of inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The most common systems are ABO and Rh (Rhesus).
Blood type is usually neutral to formal in register.
Blood type: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblʌd ˌtaɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblʌd ˌtaɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'type' or 'label' for your 'blood'. Just as you have a personality type, your blood has a type (A, B, O, + or -) that defines its compatibility with others.
Conceptual Metaphor
Blood type as a fundamental identity tag or code. (e.g., 'His blood type is coded into his genes.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of knowing a person's blood type?