euthanasia
noun
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Where does euthanasia come from?
Euthanasia is a mass noun (or noncount noun), that is, a noun used only in the singular form.
The word comes from the Greek euthanatos, which means “easy death.” In English, euthanasia has been used in exactly this sense since the early seventeenth century, when Francis Bacon described the phenomenon as “after the fashion and semblance of a kindly & pleasant sleepe.” Nowadays, the word usually refers to the means of attaining such a death.
Examples of euthanasia in a Sentence
Craig Daily Press, Denver Post, 18 May 2026
Garrido says that, sadly, the euthanasia rate is going to go up.
—Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Animal advocates have long pushed the city to legalize TNR, saying the practice reduces unwarranted litters, euthanasia and shelter intake while improving the health of feral cats.
—Claire Wang, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Nearly 300 chickens that faced possible euthanasia instead found permanent homes because multiple organizations across the country chose to collaborate rather than look away.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for euthanasia
Cite this Entry
“Euthanasia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euthanasia. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
euthanasia
noun
called also mercy killing
Medical Definition
euthanasia
noun
called also mercy killing
Legal Definition
euthanasia
noun
called also mercy killing
