living will

noun

: a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means if disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery compare advance directive

Examples of living will in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The good news is inflation, which is the rate of increase of the cost of living will come down. —CBS News, 3 Nov. 2024

In the future, more natural living will also mean healthier living. —Lauren Gallow, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2024

All these wishes should be executed through a durable power of attorney form and what is sometimes called an advance health directive or living will. —Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 20 July 2024

More than one-quarter of respondents, 26%, said inflation and cost of living will have the largest impact on their vote in November. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 5 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

living will

noun

: a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means in the event of becoming disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery see advance directive

Legal Definition

living will

noun

liv·​ing will

: a document in which the signer indicates preferences or directions for the administration and especially the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining medical treatment in the event of terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness see also advance directive compare health care power of attorney at power of attorney