loss of life

idiomatic phrase

: death
… street robberies, often accompanied by cruel wounds, and not unfrequently by loss of lifeCharles Dickens
: incidences of people dying
In 1900 a hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, destroying the city and killing over 6,000 persons—the greatest loss of life from a natural disaster ever recorded in the United States.David H. Hickcox

Examples of loss of life in a Sentence

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.
Its path has proven quite timely, too, helping the country process its grief in the aftermath of a plane crash in 2001, the death of NASCAR Dale Earnhardt and the tragic loss of life in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Tom Roland, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025 After the vigil, Farris, the pastor, told media that the area has seen its share of tragedy and loss of life, including a deadly flood a few years ago. Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said on social platform X that the loss of lives and damage caused by heavy rains in Nepal are distressing. CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025 Hotter ocean temperatures breed bigger, more intense storms, which in turn can cause more severe flooding, infrastructure damage and loss of life. Alana Wise, NPR, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loss of life

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loss of life was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Loss of life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loss%20of%20life. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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