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

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sudden death

• shibboleth
• beth
• breath
• heth
• lethe
• meth
• seth
• sheth
• sneath

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