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.
Horner, 34, faces a death sentence or life in prison without parole if convicted of capital murder in Athena’s death. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2026 New medications have transformed HIV-AIDS from an imminent death sentence into a manageable chronic condition with a near-normal life span. Chris Pope, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026 Five others have sentences that predate his time there, including Robin Row, 68, the only woman in Idaho under a death sentence. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026 Human Rights Watch's Asia Director Elaine Pearson said the harsh 20-year-sentence is effectively a death sentence, calling it cruel and unjust. CBS News, 9 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 14 Feb. 2026.

Legal Definition

death sentence

see sentence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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