manslaughter
noun
man·slaugh·ter
ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər 
: the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice
Examples of manslaughter in a Sentence
She was convicted of manslaughter for driving while drunk and killing three people.
Recent Examples on the Web
Mirabal is also charged with manslaughter in Cutshaw’s death.
—
Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
He was flown back to Queens and charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, assault, arson, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, criminal mischief, tampering with evidence and reckless driving, police said.
—Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
The four Massachusetts State Police officers who have been charged with manslaughter in connection to the death of a trooper trainee Enrique Delgado-Garcia have been relieved of duty and had their certifications suspended.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Along with the current homicide case, Yolanda Marodi was previously convicted for the stabbing death of another spouse in San Bernardino County and served nearly a decade in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for manslaughter
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Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
He was flown back to Queens and charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, assault, arson, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, criminal mischief, tampering with evidence and reckless driving, police said.
—Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
The four Massachusetts State Police officers who have been charged with manslaughter in connection to the death of a trooper trainee Enrique Delgado-Garcia have been relieved of duty and had their certifications suspended.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Along with the current homicide case, Yolanda Marodi was previously convicted for the stabbing death of another spouse in San Bernardino County and served nearly a decade in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for manslaughter
Cite this Entry
“Manslaughter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manslaughter. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
manslaughter
noun
man·slaugh·ter
ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər
: the unlawful killing of a person without the intention to do so
Medical Definition
manslaughter
noun
man·slaugh·ter
ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər
: the slaying of a human being
specifically
: the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice
Legal Definition
manslaughter
noun
man·slaugh·ter
ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər
: the unlawful killing of a human being without malice compare homicide, murder
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involuntary manslaughter
: manslaughter resulting from the failure to perform a legal duty expressly required to safeguard human life, from the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or from the commission of a lawful act involving a risk of injury or death that is done in an unlawful, reckless, or grossly negligent manner see also reckless homicide at homicide
Note: The exact formulation of the elements of involuntary manslaughter vary from state to state especially with regard to the level of negligence required. In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, involuntary manslaughter is usually graded as a second- or third-degree offense.
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misdemeanor-manslaughter
: involuntary manslaughter occurring during the commission of a misdemeanor compare felony murder at murder
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voluntary manslaughter
: manslaughter resulting from an intentional act done without malice or premeditation and while in the heat of passion or on sudden provocation
Note: In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, voluntary manslaughter is usually a first-degree offense.
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