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.
For the vast majority of mammals, this would be a certain death sentence. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026 Moffett was initially given life without parole, while Hamilton received a death sentence. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2026 If convicted as charged, Reiner could face a death sentence or life in prison without the possibility of parole, though a decision hasn’t been made on whether to seek capital punishment. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 2026 Reeves would go on to be convicted, receive a death sentence, and subsequently be executed three years later in 1958. Essence, 15 Jan. 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 21 Jan. 2026.

Legal Definition

death sentence

see sentence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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