blood bank

American  

noun

1. a place where blood or blood plasma is collected, processed, stored, and distributed.

2. such a supply of blood or blood plasma.

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blood bank British  

noun

1. a place where whole blood, blood plasma, or other blood products are stored until required in transfusion

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Etymology

Origin of blood bank

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Every unit of blood issued by the district hospital's blood bank is tested according to government protocol and released only after a negative report, Dr Shukla says.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

And Alexandre’s movie theater, with its bloody spectacles, gets replaced by something very different: a blood bank, a monument to recovery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

Some proponents have argued that prescreening is enough—that blood obtained from a walking blood bank during an emergency shouldn’t have to be screened at the time of donation if a donor recently tested negative.

From Slate • Oct. 21, 2025

Frankie receives a treat after his owner brought him in to donate blood at Insight Veterinary Wellness Center, a 24-hour pet hospital that opened a canine community blood bank.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2024

“I’m sorry,” she repeated, “but the blood bank is closed. We’re not taking any more donations.”

From "Eleven" by Tom Rogers