sudden death
noun
1
: unexpected death that is instantaneous or occurs within minutes from any cause other than violence
sudden death following coronary occlusion
2
: extra play to break a tie in a sports contest in which the first to score or gain the lead wins
Examples of sudden death in a Sentence
We won 27–24 in sudden death.
a serious heart condition that can result in sudden death
Recent Examples on the Web
Russell Henley birdied the final four holes, including in a sudden death playoff, to win the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge on Sunday at Colonial Country Club.
—
Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2026
Many varieties of yew, including English yew and Pacific yew, cause dangerous symptoms in dogs, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, tremors and even sudden death from heart failure.
—Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 28 May 2026
More details have been unearthed pertaining to the health of Kyle Busch prior to the NASCAR legend’s sudden death last week.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
It's been over 15 years since Gary Coleman's sudden death, but several questions remain about the circumstances that led to it.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sudden death
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Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2026
Many varieties of yew, including English yew and Pacific yew, cause dangerous symptoms in dogs, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, tremors and even sudden death from heart failure.
—Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 28 May 2026
More details have been unearthed pertaining to the health of Kyle Busch prior to the NASCAR legend’s sudden death last week.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
It's been over 15 years since Gary Coleman's sudden death, but several questions remain about the circumstances that led to it.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sudden death
Cite this Entry
“Sudden death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sudden%20death. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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