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
Country singer Luke Bryan recently revealed his sister's 2007 death was attributed to sudden death syndrome.
—
Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Oct. 2025
This was when overtime was sudden death, and less than five minutes into the extra period, the Panthers got set up for a potential game-winning 40-yard field goal.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
The Context Bridges' sudden death at age 41 has resonated with fans, particularly given his focus on family and the relatability of his content.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Five months before D’Uwan’s sudden death, the quiet 14-year-old had graduated from middle school, and was excited to have recently started attending high school, according to WCNC.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sudden death
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Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Oct. 2025
This was when overtime was sudden death, and less than five minutes into the extra period, the Panthers got set up for a potential game-winning 40-yard field goal.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
The Context Bridges' sudden death at age 41 has resonated with fans, particularly given his focus on family and the relatability of his content.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Five months before D’Uwan’s sudden death, the quiet 14-year-old had graduated from middle school, and was excited to have recently started attending high school, according to WCNC.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sudden death
Cite this Entry
“Sudden death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sudden%20death. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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