decedent
noun
de·ce·dent
di-ˈsē-dᵊnt 
law
: a person who is no longer living : a deceased person
the estate of the decedent
Examples of decedent in a Sentence
a tax on the estate of the decedent
Recent Examples on the Web
Thus, in the case of a decedent, the estate is held liable for the debt.
—
Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Instead, the coroner’s office cremates the decedent.
—Calista Oetama, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025
Interestingly, the remains of the decedent were also cremated.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Also note that some countries (like the U.S.) have estate taxes, which apply to the decedent’s estate, while others have inheritance taxes, imposed on beneficiaries.
—Tom Zachystal, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decedent
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Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Instead, the coroner’s office cremates the decedent.
—Calista Oetama, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025
Interestingly, the remains of the decedent were also cremated.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Also note that some countries (like the U.S.) have estate taxes, which apply to the decedent’s estate, while others have inheritance taxes, imposed on beneficiaries.
—Tom Zachystal, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decedent
Cite this Entry
“Decedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decedent. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decedent
noun
de·ce·dent
di-ˈsēd-ᵊnt
: a deceased person
—used chiefly in law
Medical Definition
decedent
noun
de·ce·dent
di-ˈsēd-ᵊnt
: a deceased person
—used chiefly in law
Legal Definition
decedent
noun
de·ce·dent
di-ˈsēd-ᵊnt
: a deceased person
the estate of the decedent
Etymology
Latin decedent-, decedens, present participle of decedere to depart, die
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