1
: certain to die
Every living creature is mortal.
2
a
: causing death : fatal
He suffered a mortal wound in the battle.
a mortal injury/blow
—often used figurativelyShe claims that the proposed law would deal/strike a mortal blow to many small businesses. [=would cause many small businesses to fail]
b
: possibly causing death
facing mortal danger
two gladiators locked in mortal combat [=a fight that will result in the death of the loser; a fight to the death]
c
: relating to or connected with death
mortal agony
3
always used before a noun
: very great or severe
She lived in mortal fear/terror/dread of being betrayed. [=she was very afraid of being betrayed]
plural mortals
: a human being
stories about gods interfering in the lives of mortals
the troubles that come to ordinary mortals
—often used humorouslyHe's a big star now. He doesn't waste his time talking to mere/lesser mortals [=people] like you and me.
Cite this Entry
“Mortal.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/mortal. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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