death rattle

noun

1. a sound produced by a person immediately preceding death, resulting from the passage of air through the mucus in the throat.

death rattle

noun

1. a low-pitched gurgling sound sometimes made by a dying person, caused by air passing through an accumulation of mucus in the trachea

Word History and Origins

Origin of death rattle¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Inside, on the floor, lay a poor old woman, the death-rattle in whose throat proclaimed that her end was fast approaching.

From Project Gutenberg

He had the death rattle and was spitting up blood, which ran out of the corners of his mouth at every gasp.

From Project Gutenberg

"You come too late, brother," the wounded man murmured, in a voice choking with the death rattle.

From Project Gutenberg

I plainly heard the wheeze of blood in its throat, and the sound, like a death-rattle, affected me powerfully.

From Project Gutenberg

I walk up to him with finger on trigger at a ready, but the death-rattle is in his throat, and another shot is unnecessary.

From Project Gutenberg