dies; died; dying
ˈdajɪŋ 
1
a
: to stop living
She claims she's not afraid to die.
More than a hundred people died [=were killed] in the crash.
He died in 1892 at the age of 37.
His mother died [=passed away, passed on] on April 15.
People in the town began dying suddenly/unexpectedly.
He died in his sleep. [=he died while he was sleeping]
She died in childbirth. [=she died while giving birth to a baby]
b
: to end life in a specified state or condition
—followed by an adjective, noun, or noun phrase
He died happy.
They both died young.
She died a hero.
One day, you're going to die a lonely and bitter old man.
c
: to have or suffer (a specified kind of death)
He died a violent and painful death.
dying a natural death
2
: to wish strongly or desperately for something or to do something
—used as (be) dying
I'm dying for a cold drink.
They were dying to leave.
We've been dying to see that movie.
3
a
: to pass out of existence : to come to an end
Her secret died with her.
He's the last of a dying breed.
b
: to disappear gradually or become less strong
The wind gradually died. [=died away, died down]
4
a
: to stop working or running
The motor died.
b
: to end in failure
The bill died in committee. [=the bill was considered and rejected by a committee]
1
2
Cite this Entry
“Die.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/die. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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