manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər 

: the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Examples of manslaughter in a Sentence

She was convicted of manslaughter for driving while drunk and killing three people.

Recent Examples on the Web

Prosecution Garrett was charged with first-degree murder, DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, felony criminal mischief, aggravated fleeing to elude and two counts each of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence, deputies said. —Olivia Lloyd, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025

Troy Bree, 58, of Groton was charged Tuesday with driving the wrong way on a limited access highway, second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, misconduct with a motor vehicle and first-degree reckless endangerment, according to Connecticut State Police. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2025

She is charged with second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025

What Is Karen Read Accused of? Read has been charged with second degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a collision that resulted in death. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing manslaughter

• involuntary manslaughter

Rhymes for manslaughter

• backwater
• bathwater
• blackwater
• breakwater
• deepwater
• edgewater
• feedwater
• floodwater
• freshwater
• granddaughter
• groundwater
• headwater

Kids Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər 

: the unlawful killing of a person without the intention to do so

Medical Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər 

: the slaying of a human being

specifically : the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Legal Definition

manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər 

: the unlawful killing of a human being without malice compare homicide, murder

— involuntary manslaughter

: manslaughter resulting from the failure to perform a legal duty expressly required to safeguard human life, from the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or from the commission of a lawful act involving a risk of injury or death that is done in an unlawful, reckless, or grossly negligent manner see also reckless homicide at homicide

Note: The exact formulation of the elements of involuntary manslaughter vary from state to state especially with regard to the level of negligence required. In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, involuntary manslaughter is usually graded as a second- or third-degree offense.

— misdemeanor-manslaughter

: involuntary manslaughter occurring during the commission of a misdemeanor compare felony murder at murder

— voluntary manslaughter

: manslaughter resulting from an intentional act done without malice or premeditation and while in the heat of passion or on sudden provocation

Note: In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, voluntary manslaughter is usually a first-degree offense.