loss of life

idiomatic phrase

: death
… street robberies, often accompanied by cruel wounds, and not unfrequently by loss of lifeCharles Dickens
: incidences of people dying
In 1900 a hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, destroying the city and killing over 6,000 persons—the greatest loss of life from a natural disaster ever recorded in the United States.David H. Hickcox

Examples of loss of life in a Sentence

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.
The ruling highlights a growing push for stronger corporate accountability in cases involving criminal negligence that results in loss of life. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 Video:Officer catches man falling off bridge split-second rescue Piedmont police chief: 'A tragic loss of life' One of the individuals seated in the front of the Tesla was extracted from the vehicle by a resident who was passing by, troopers said, KRON reported. Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024 That seizure of Native territory and the development of American industry led to a devastating loss of life, culture, and community. Joseph Lee, Vox, 26 Nov. 2024 Today, there's still a tremendous interest in the Titanic's tragic story of maritime technology and adventure ending in great loss of life. Sydney Borchers, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loss of life 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loss of life was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near loss of life

Cite this Entry

“Loss of life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loss%20of%20life. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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!