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

Continue reading … ‘ONE IN A TRILLION’ – TV station shares cause of beloved 28-year-old anchor's sudden death. —Fox News, 18 Dec. 2024

For example, the NIH reports that arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy—caused by gene mutations—usually affects teens or young adults and is the most common cause of sudden death in young people and in athletes. —Elizabeth Millard, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024

Hofer also reflected on the bitter irony of his character’s sudden death, especially after Dex had finally found love and a person who believed in him. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024

Following Stein’s sudden death in 2012, Weiant moved to France and met his husband, Pantelis Karras. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024

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