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
Her official cause of death was revealed on April 16, with the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirming to PEOPLE that the actress' sudden death was a result of complications of diabetes mellitus.
—
Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals tasked with overseeing the papal conclave after the sudden death of the pope.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
The two-time major champion needed just one hole in sudden death to defeat his opponent and claim his first title in almost three years.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Her father, Keli McGregor, was the Rockies’ team president until his sudden death from a heart infection in 2010.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sudden death
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Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals tasked with overseeing the papal conclave after the sudden death of the pope.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
The two-time major champion needed just one hole in sudden death to defeat his opponent and claim his first title in almost three years.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Her father, Keli McGregor, was the Rockies’ team president until his sudden death from a heart infection in 2010.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sudden death
Cite this Entry
“Sudden death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sudden%20death. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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