manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio)
Synonyms of manslaughternext
: the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Examples of manslaughter in a Sentence

She was convicted of manslaughter for driving while drunk and killing three people.
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.
Chavez has been charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony. — Ciara McCarthy 27, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2026 The officer who shot Nitzken was indicted on charges of manslaughter and reckless homicide. — Topher Sanders, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 She is charged with first-degree murder and assisting self-murder, which in Florida is treated like a manslaughter offense. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Last summer, Parisi asked Judge Colleen Nichols to reduce Blake Rakela’s murder charge to voluntary manslaughter. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for manslaughter

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manslaughter was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing manslaughter

Rhymes for manslaughter

See All Rhymes for manslaughter

Browse Nearby Words

man-size
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manslayer
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Cite this Entry

“Manslaughter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manslaughter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio)
: the unlawful killing of a person without the intention to do so

Medical Definition

manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio)
: the slaying of a human being
specifically : the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Legal Definition

manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio)
: the unlawful killing of a human being without malice compare homicide, murder
— involuntary manslaughter
: manslaughter resulting from the failure to perform a legal duty expressly required to safeguard human life, from the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or from the commission of a lawful act involving a risk of injury or death that is done in an unlawful, reckless, or grossly negligent manner see also reckless homicide at homicide

Note: The exact formulation of the elements of involuntary manslaughter vary from state to state especially with regard to the level of negligence required. In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, involuntary manslaughter is usually graded as a second- or third-degree offense.

— misdemeanor-manslaughter
: involuntary manslaughter occurring during the commission of a misdemeanor compare felony murder at murder
— voluntary manslaughter
: manslaughter resulting from an intentional act done without malice or premeditation and while in the heat of passion or on sudden provocation

Note: In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, voluntary manslaughter is usually a first-degree offense.

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