do-or-die

adjective

1
: doggedly determined to reach one's objective : indomitable
2
: presenting as the only alternatives complete success or complete ruin
a do-or-die situation

Examples of do-or-die in a Sentence

a do-or-die entrepreneur who never stopped believing that hard work would inevitably lead to success
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.
Haliburton was already off to an incredible start to the do-or-die game for the NBA championship, nailing three 3-pointers in the first quarter to give Indiana an early edge. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025 The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are meeting in a do-or-die game for a championship on Sunday night. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025 The Pacers will throw contrasting vibes in the do-or-die road finale. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 June 2025 How to Bet on Pacers vs. Knicks Game 6 The Knicks are facing a do-or-die situation for the second straight game. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for do-or-die

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of do-or-die was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Do-or-die.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do-or-die. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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