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.
Rivers was expected to see limited playing time after missing most of training camp to grieve the sudden death of her mother, but the former NC State guard shined in her first appearance logging 11 points plus four rebounds, two steals, two assists and a block in 25 minutes off the bench. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 21 May 2025 The Cannes crowd warmly embraced the dramedy, which stars June Squibb at the titular Eleanor Morgenstern (Squibb), a fiercely independent Florida retiree who, after the sudden death of her lifelong best friend, relocates to New York to live with her daughter. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025 Both Cal State Fullerton and UC Santa Barbara are offering crisis counseling services to help students cope with the sudden deaths. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 The sudden death also featured some experienced players, including Doug Ghim, Cameron Tringale, Cristobal del Solar and Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra. Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sudden death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sudden%20death. Accessed 25 May. 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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