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

Her official cause of death was revealed on April 16, with the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirming to PEOPLE that the actress' sudden death was a result of complications of diabetes mellitus. —Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals tasked with overseeing the papal conclave after the sudden death of the pope. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025

The two-time major champion needed just one hole in sudden death to defeat his opponent and claim his first title in almost three years. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025

Her father, Keli McGregor, was the Rockies’ team president until his sudden death from a heart infection in 2010. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sudden death

• shibboleth
• beth
• breath
• heth
• lethe
• meth
• 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