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

Viewers were told that Dutch was in prison, but the possibility of his return lingered until McQueen’s sudden death from organ failure in September 2024. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 12 Feb. 2025

Comments Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' family is responding to claims put forth by his widow, Allison Holker, in their first television interview since his sudden death. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Image The sudden death of so many people during what was supposed to be a joyful winter trip has caused grief and outrage among survivors and relatives, some of whom have begun calling for accountability for officials who failed to ensure that the building was safe. —Ben Hubbard, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

His childhood was rocked by the sudden death of a friend in a hiking accident. —Maria Pasquini, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025

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