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.
Didion's autobiography follows the sudden death of her husband and the long, uncertain illness of their daughter Quintana, compounded in a very short time span. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025 Mthethwa was expected to respond to the allegations before his sudden death. Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025 Make overtime periods 15 minutes long and, if the score is still tied after the first two possessions, go to sudden death. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 Students also explore themes of madness, mayhem and sudden death in 19th century Gothic and 20th century Southern Gothic short stories. Molly Ryder Granatino, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 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 8 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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