living will

noun

: a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means if disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery compare advance directive

Examples of living will in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Having a health care power of attorney and a living will in place is an essential part of planning for the unexpected. —Darren T. Case, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

The next category involves uploading legal documents — your Will or revocable living trust documents, your healthcare power of attorney, and your living will, detailing end-of-life instructions. —Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025

Create a living will and appoint a healthcare proxy. —Jennifer Welsh Published, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025

Attend to Legal Considerations When Planning Your End of Life Ask for help drafting legal documents like a living will or healthcare proxy. —Jennifer Welsh Published, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for living will

• basophil
• carboxyl
• daffodil
• neutrophil
• overkill
• anthill
• backfill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill

Medical Definition

living will

noun

: a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means in the event of becoming disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery see advance directive

Legal Definition

living will

noun

liv·​ing will

: a document in which the signer indicates preferences or directions for the administration and especially the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining medical treatment in the event of terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness see also advance directive compare health care power of attorney at power of attorney