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

His childhood was rocked by the sudden death of a friend in a hiking accident. —Maria Pasquini, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025

Serious safety risks also include heart attacks, seizures, stroke, and sudden death. —Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025

World premiere | Debut film Twelve-year-old Eya has to face the sudden death of her beloved older brother Younès. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025

Thanks for Phan’s contributions came rolling in Tuesday from chefs, restaurateurs and civic leaders saddened by news of the chef’s sudden death. —Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sudden death

noun

: extra play to break a tie in a sports contest in which the first to score or gain the lead wins

Medical Definition

sudden death

noun

: unexpected death that is instantaneous or occurs within minutes or hours from any cause other than violence

sudden death following coronary occlusion

especially : sudden cardiac death