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.
Quebrada’s upcoming film tells the story of a married woman, Cecilia, who faces silent grief after her lover’s sudden death, mourning in secret amid normal life. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 15 July 2025 The sudden death of a 54-year-old man who was on tour with Annabelle, said to be the world’s most haunted doll, is being mourned by the paranormal world. Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025 It’s been nearly two years since the sudden death of her younger brother Jonah, a devastating blow that kicked off a painful season of life that also included her getting dropped from her label just three months later. Rachel Desantis, People.com, 11 July 2025 Following years of reportedly going in and out of rehab to overcome a self-destructive battle with alcoholism, actor Michael Madsen had been making strides in recent months to stay sober, before his sudden death last Thursday at age 67, sources close to the actor said. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 July 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 24 Jul. 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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