death rate

American  

[deth reyt] / ˈdɛθ ˌreɪt /

noun

1. mortality rate.

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death rate British  

noun

1. Also called (esp US): mortality rate.  the ratio of deaths in a specified area, group, etc, to the population of that area, group, etc

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Etymology

Origin of death rate

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The death rate has eclipsed the pace of 2025, which saw nine deaths by the end of February.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

We can cut this death rate with early and consistent prenatal care, research has shown.

From Salon • Mar. 1, 2026

In poorer regions, such as Buryatia in eastern Siberia, and Tuva in southern Siberia, the death rate is 27 to 33 times higher respectively than in the capital.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Its death rate nearly matches its diagnosis rate.

From Science Daily • Jan. 30, 2026

There was a much lower death rate inside the hospital than outside the hospital, and a much healthier death rate.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller