sudden death

noun

1

: unexpected death that is instantaneous or occurs within minutes from any cause other than violence

sudden death following coronary occlusion

2

: extra play to break a tie in a sports contest in which the first to score or gain the lead wins

Examples of sudden death in a Sentence

We won 27–24 in sudden death.

a serious heart condition that can result in sudden death

Recent Examples on the Web

Several foursomes were still on the course when Kin and Schultz returned to the 18th tee box to begin a sudden death playoff. —Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2024

Williams wrote the work in 1974 while mourning the sudden death of his wife, Barbara. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 9 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sudden death

noun

: extra play to break a tie in a sports contest in which the first to score or gain the lead wins

Medical Definition

sudden death

noun

: unexpected death that is instantaneous or occurs within minutes or hours from any cause other than violence

sudden death following coronary occlusion

especially : sudden cardiac death