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.
Providence trailed 1-0 and 2-1 before scoring to force the sudden death overtime. Richard Walker, Charlotte Observer, 10 May 2025 Her official cause of death was revealed on April 16, with the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirming to PEOPLE that the actress' sudden death was a result of complications of diabetes mellitus. Esther Kang, People.com, 7 May 2025 The 56-year-old socialite moved there with her late husband, JR Ridinger, just months before his sudden death at age 63 in August 2022. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025 Kate Cassidy, who dated Liam Payne for two years before his sudden death in October, is opening up about her emotional last moments with the singer. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 16 Apr. 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 14 May. 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
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