: sensationally striking, attractive, or impressive
a drop-dead evening gown
drop-dead adverb

Examples of drop-dead in a Sentence

a drop-dead wedding dress that must have cost a fortune
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.
Robyn Lively In the second season, Twin Peaks introduced Lana, a woman that the men in town find irresistible even though there’s no shortage of drop-dead gorgeous women around. Drew MacKie, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 On the ninth floor of the Hay-Adams Hotel, which has a drop-dead view of the White House across Lafayette Park, Liz Truss, Sebastian Gorka, and Erik Prince mingled with guests trying to eat steak frites while standing up. Antonia Hitchens, The New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2025 While her Death Becomes Her character isn’t a good sport, Meryl Streep sure is — and drop-dead hilarious at that. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024 This is a glossy, drop-dead-gorgeous case that feels great. David Phelan, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 The terrain is mild by Colorado hiking standards, but still enjoyable and drop-dead gorgeous this time of the year. Jamie Siebrase, The Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2024 Her recent video, for Taste, features the performer alongside Beetlejuice star Jenna Ortega rivaling over a boy while looking drop-dead gorgeous. Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 4 Oct. 2024 Her slightly wavy bob haircut and smoky eye were the perfect drop-dead, va-va-voom beauty touch. Alex Badia, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019 Want to replicate Van Ness’s drop-dead-gorgeous makeup look at this year’s Golden Globes? Nick Hall, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drop-dead was in 1970

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drop-dead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drop-dead. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!