involuntary manslaughter

noun

: manslaughter resulting from the failure to perform a legal duty expressly required to safeguard human life, from the commission of an unlawful act not constituting a felony, or from the commission of a lawful act in a negligent or improper manner

Examples of involuntary manslaughter 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.
The elder Gray was found guilty of 29 charges related to his son’s attack, including second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 31 July 2026 DeValkenaere was convicted of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action for the fatal shooting of Cameron Lamb in 2021. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 The parents were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in separate trials after prosecutors presented evidence of an unsecured gun at their home and their indifference toward their son's mental health. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 July 2026 In March, a jury convicted Colin Gray on 27 charges, including second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for involuntary manslaughter

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of involuntary manslaughter was in 1792

Rhymes for involuntary manslaughter

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Browse Nearby Words

involuntary deposit
involuntary manslaughter
involuntary muscle
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Cite this Entry

“Involuntary manslaughter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/involuntary%20manslaughter. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

involuntary manslaughter

see also:
manslaughter
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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