manslaughter
noun
man·slaugh·ter
ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər 
: 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
Over the next few months, the conspirators turned on each other and all six were arrested and charged with various crimes — including murder, manslaughter, grand theft and conspiracy.
—
Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Courts have found that driving without a license, a misdemeanor that in Alabama carries a fine of $10 to $100, doesn’t constitute underlying recklessness for charges like manslaughter or murder.
—Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2025
Groves has also been awaiting sentencing on a manslaughter charge since October 2024, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
In late August, a jury found a co-defendant guilty of voluntary manslaughter in both killings as well as two counts each of armed criminal action and stealing a firearm.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for manslaughter
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Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Courts have found that driving without a license, a misdemeanor that in Alabama carries a fine of $10 to $100, doesn’t constitute underlying recklessness for charges like manslaughter or murder.
—Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2025
Groves has also been awaiting sentencing on a manslaughter charge since October 2024, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
In late August, a jury found a co-defendant guilty of voluntary manslaughter in both killings as well as two counts each of armed criminal action and stealing a firearm.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for manslaughter
Cite this Entry
“Manslaughter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manslaughter. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
manslaughter
noun
man·slaugh·ter
ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər
: the unlawful killing of a person without the intention to do so
Medical Definition
manslaughter
noun
man·slaugh·ter
ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər
: 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
: the unlawful killing of a human being without malice compare homicide, murder
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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.
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misdemeanor-manslaughter
: involuntary manslaughter occurring during the commission of a misdemeanor compare felony murder at murder
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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.
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