dying

adjective

dy·​ing ˈdī-iŋ 

1

a

: approaching death

a dying man

He had come back three years earlier to care for his dying mother.

—Jeff Tietz

: gradually ceasing to be

the dying day

a dying fire

b

: having reached an advanced or ultimate stage of decay or disuse

a dying civilization

a dying tradition

2

: of, relating to, or occurring at the time of death or dying

recorded his dying words

promised to fulfill her dying wishes

Synonyms

• moribund

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing dying

• dying breed
• last/dying breath
• the sick and dying
• dying wish
• until one's dying day

Kids Definition

dying

present participle of die

Medical Definition

dying

pres part of die