death sentence

noun

1
: a sentence condemning a convicted defendant to death
2
: an affliction or a situation that is considered to be fatal
also : a prognosis of death

Examples of death sentence in a Sentence

She received a death sentence for the murders.
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.
But despite a perception that Ebola is a death sentence, some people survive. — Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 24 June 2026 But his conviction was reversed once by the California Supreme Court, and his death sentence was reversed twice. — City News Service, Daily News, 24 June 2026 During a defendant's sentencing phase, defense attorneys are duty-bound to present mitigating evidence that could spare their client from a death sentence. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 June 2026 Getting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is not an automatic death sentence, and therapies are available to help slow memory loss, Masurkar added. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for death sentence

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of death sentence was in 1655

Rhymes for death sentence

See All Rhymes for death sentence

Browse Nearby Words

death row
death sentence
deathsman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Death sentence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/death%20sentence. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

death sentence

see also:
sentence
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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