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
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.
Before that, Abbie is being ruthlessly scrutinized and controlled by her parents, while Leila’s mother has mostly checked out after her elder daughter’s sudden death. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 26 Sep. 2025 In more serious cases, infected people may experience digestive problems such as an enlarged esophagus or colon, an enlarged heart or even sudden death, according to the CDC. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025 Jan became foreign minister at the end of World War II, until his sudden death in 1948. Jay Ganglani, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2025 Smee’s traumatized both by Arthur’s sudden death and Slightly’s dishonesty. Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sudden death

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sudden death was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sudden death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sudden%20death. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

sudden death

noun
: extra play to break a tie in a sports contest in which the first to score or gain the lead wins

Medical Definition

sudden death

noun
: unexpected death that is instantaneous or occurs within minutes or hours from any cause other than violence
sudden death following coronary occlusion
especially : sudden cardiac death

More from Merriam-Webster on sudden death

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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