death sentence

noun

1
: a sentence condemning a convicted defendant to death
2
: an affliction or a situation that is considered to be fatal
also : a prognosis of death

Examples of death sentence in a Sentence

She received a death sentence for the murders.
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.
The Florida Supreme Court affirmed the conviction and death sentence in 1990 and over the next three decades Duckett engaged in unsuccessful postconviction litigation in both state and federal courts, Uthmeier wrote. Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026 That can be a death sentence for triple-negative diagnoses. Gerald Witt, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026 Johnson's attorney, Deana Martin, told IndyStar that cases where a death sentence or life without the possibility of parole can take longer to prepare, and IDOC facilities tend to be better suited to housing people for longer periods than a county jail. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 24 Feb. 2026 While courts last imposed a death sentence in 2016, South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997. Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for death sentence

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of death sentence was in 1655

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Cite this Entry

“Death sentence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/death%20sentence. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

Legal Definition

death sentence

see also:
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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