deathbed

[ deth-bed ]

noun

1. the bed on which a person dies:

   The museum contains Lincoln's deathbed.

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, said, or done during the last few hours of a person's life:

   a deathbed confession.

deathbed

/ ˈdɛθˌbɛd /

noun

1. 1. the bed in which a person is about to die
   2. ( as modifier )

      a deathbed conversion

2. on one's deathbed
   about to die

Word History and Origins

Origin of deathbed¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, deathbed is from the Middle English word deethbed. See death, bed

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on one's deathbed, in the last few hours before death.

Example Sentences

Younger workers today are more likely to prioritize “having more time to experience their lives rather than waking up my age on the deathbed and regretting that I hadn’t spent time with my granddaughter,” he said.

From Vox

Hákon Sverrisson When I look back on life, I’m pretty sure that this piece, that week, will be something that I will remember on my deathbed.

From Washington Post

I have found that the people who have not thought about death are the ones who have regrets on their deathbeds.

From Outside Online

Shorto finds himself at his father’s deathbed, expressing newfound gratitude and understanding.

From Washington Post

We only found out when he collapsed and wound up in the hospital, literally on his deathbed with just days to live.

From Washington Post

Keopuolani converted on her deathbed in 1823, instructing her son Kamehameha II to protect the missionaries.

From The Daily Beast

When he breaks down on camera it is while telling the story of a dying man who called him from his deathbed.

From The Daily Beast

Fenwick, by now in his late 70s, has amassed more than 2,000 accounts of what he calls “deathbed coincidences.”

From The Daily Beast

Solness has much to regret, and yet, we meet him on his deathbed in this moment of deep, profound reflection.

From The Daily Beast

Context: The Casablanca star was a great lover of scotch and said this on his deathbed before falling victim to cancer.

From The Daily Beast

May your deathbed be as well attended as mine has been, and may you live happily, and die the death of a Christian!

From Project Gutenberg

His deathbed was a dramatic scene—especially under the circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg

It came out on his deathbed what he had been storing up his money for.

From Project Gutenberg

He had arrived at his mother's deathbed too late; she had almost passed away.

From Project Gutenberg

His powers of wit and raillery never failed him, even to the Deathbed wit last.

From Project Gutenberg