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

Slim profit margins made seeking those documents challenging and the sudden death of her 50-year-old daughter Siomara compounded her troubles. —Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2024

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, 25 Oct. 2024

Payne’s sudden death led to an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow artists. —Conor Murray, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Her sudden death, at 39, just a few weeks after the album’s recording, tempts a retrospective reading of ((world war)). —Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 2024

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