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
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.
After the sudden death of her father, Carrie is forced to enter public high school. Nick Romano, EW.com, 2 June 2025 The show marks Liam Payne's final project before his sudden death in October 2024 at age 31. Joelle Goldstein, People.com, 1 June 2025 Then, 2:02 into sudden death, with both teams playing 3-on-3, Tage Thompson broke into the offensive zone with Logan Cooley on a 2-on-1. Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 Rivers was expected to see limited playing time after missing most of training camp to grieve the sudden death of her mother, but the former NC State guard shined in her first appearance logging 11 points plus four rebounds, two steals, two assists and a block in 25 minutes off the bench. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sudden death

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sudden death was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sudden death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sudden%20death. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sudden death

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!