living will

noun

: a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means if disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery compare advance directive

Examples of living will in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The cost of living will go up and the quality of life will go down. —German Lopez, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

The cost of living will no doubt continue to increase in higher-risk areas across the Sunbelt and beyond, and without FEMA those costs will skyrocket. —Jesse M. Keenan, Scientific American, 11 Apr. 2025

Although the exact definition of each varies by state, a living will generally explains your health-care wishes, particularly concerning end-of-life care. —Judy Lagrou, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025

Having a health care power of attorney and a living will in place is an essential part of planning for the unexpected. —Darren T. Case, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for living will

• basophil
• carboxyl
• daffodil
• neutrophil
• overkill
• anthill
• backfill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill

Medical Definition

living will

noun

: a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means in the event of becoming disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery see advance directive

Legal Definition

living will

noun

liv·​ing will

: a document in which the signer indicates preferences or directions for the administration and especially the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining medical treatment in the event of terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness see also advance directive compare health care power of attorney at power of attorney