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

Late summer brings an increase in a deadly disease spreading in cats across South Florida, causing intense illness and even sudden death. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Not the fire, not the sudden death, not the exhausting fight to get back home. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

As William Jewell College struggles with the sudden death of a football player who collapsed on the sidelines Saturday, students have taken time to share their feelings on paper. — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 1 Sep. 2026

Elinor is the more buttoned-up of the two, always following the rules and taking on more of a maternal role after the sudden death of their father. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sudden death

• shibboleth
• beth
• breath
• heth
• lethe
• meth
• neath
• seth
• sheth
• sneath

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