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
The designs on the objects indicate the decedent's family line.
—
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
The probate estate remains liable for the decedent’s debts.
—Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026
Authorities have not publicly identified the decedent.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
The Sheriff's Office did not identify the decedents, but the deceased mom and son were identified by the county medical examiner.
—Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decedent
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Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
The probate estate remains liable for the decedent’s debts.
—Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026
Authorities have not publicly identified the decedent.
—Wcco Staff, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
The Sheriff's Office did not identify the decedents, but the deceased mom and son were identified by the county medical examiner.
—Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
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 Mar. 2026.
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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