manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio)
: the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Examples of manslaughter in a Sentence

She was convicted of manslaughter for driving while drunk and killing three people.
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.
Legal cases involving Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, both charged with manslaughter, ended with Baldwin’s case being dismissed and Gutierrez-Reed found guilty. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 1 May 2025 In February, a jury found Rodriquez-Lopez guilty of voluntary manslaughter and using a firearm in connection with the death of 22-year-old Aaron Wayne Leach Jr., according to the release. Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025 Read has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025 Read, 45, faces charges of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manslaughter

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Manslaughter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manslaughter. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio)
: the unlawful killing of a person without the intention to do so

Medical Definition

manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio)
: the slaying of a human being
specifically : the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Legal Definition

manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio)
: the unlawful killing of a human being without malice compare homicide, murder
involuntary manslaughter
: manslaughter resulting from the failure to perform a legal duty expressly required to safeguard human life, from the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or from the commission of a lawful act involving a risk of injury or death that is done in an unlawful, reckless, or grossly negligent manner see also reckless homicide at homicide

Note: The exact formulation of the elements of involuntary manslaughter vary from state to state especially with regard to the level of negligence required. In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, involuntary manslaughter is usually graded as a second- or third-degree offense.

misdemeanor-manslaughter
: involuntary manslaughter occurring during the commission of a misdemeanor compare felony murder at murder
voluntary manslaughter
: manslaughter resulting from an intentional act done without malice or premeditation and while in the heat of passion or on sudden provocation

Note: In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, voluntary manslaughter is usually a first-degree offense.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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