survivorship

noun

sur·​vi·​vor·​ship sər-ˈvī-vər-ˌship How to pronounce survivorship (audio)
1
: the legal right of the survivor of persons having joint interests in property to take the interest of the person who has died
2
: the state of being a survivor : survival
3
: the probability of surviving to a particular age
also : the number or proportion of survivors (as of an age group or population)

Examples of survivorship 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.
In joint tenancy, survivorship regulations are clear that if one owner passes away their shares automatically transfer to the surviving owners. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025 Pinpointing the traits that boost survivorship during more stable periods and times of planetary upheaval might help scientists and conservationists protect today’s most vulnerable species. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 Apr. 2025 The lyrics reflect on grief, separation, regrets and memories, but also on survivorship — on what comes afterward. Jon Pareles, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 State Farm Life Insurance Learn More Cost The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote Online quote for term policy Yes Policy highlights State Farm offers nearly a dozen term, whole, and universal life insurance products, including survivorship and no-medical exam plans. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for survivorship

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of survivorship was circa 1625

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Cite this Entry

“Survivorship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/survivorship. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

survivorship

noun
sur·​vi·​vor·​ship -ˈvī-vər-ˌship How to pronounce survivorship (audio)
1
: the state of being a survivor
quality of life in long-term survivorship (five years or longer) of patients who have experienced breast cancer
2
: the probability of surviving to a particular age
also : the number or proportion of survivors (as of an age group)

Legal Definition

survivorship

noun
sur·​vi·​vor·​ship
1
: the right of one or more joint tenants who have survived another to take the interest of the person who has died
2
: the state of being a survivor

More from Merriam-Webster on survivorship

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