death benefit

noun

: money payable to the beneficiary of a deceased

Examples of death benefit in a Sentence

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.
Permanent life insurance also typically provides tax-free death benefits, which allow heirs to receive assets in a way that offsets estate taxes. Aaron Cirksena, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Lump sum death benefits and benefits paid to children are not included in the levy program. Susan Tompor, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 Though long-term care may not be needed for decades, the rider provides flexibility to use the policy’s tax-free death benefit during lifetime to cover LTC needs in the future. Lina Storm, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 For instance, replacing a term policy with a living benefits policy that reduces the death benefit but adds liquidity for emergencies reframes life insurance as a proactive financial tool. Drew Gurley, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for death benefit

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of death benefit was in 1867

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Cite this Entry

“Death benefit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/death%20benefit. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Legal Definition

death benefit

noun
: money payable to the beneficiary of a deceased as a benefit (as under a policy of life or accident insurance or a pension plan)

Note: The right to death benefits is generally terminated in cases of fraud, as when an insured commits suicide after purchasing a policy or when the beneficiary murders the insured.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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