death benefit

American  

noun

1. the amount of money to be paid under the terms of an insurance policy to the designated beneficiary upon the death of the insured.

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Etymology

Origin of death benefit

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

death benefit

Unless there was an error by the insurer, a lapsed policy has no death benefit.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026

Buyers can elect to continue the income over a spouse’s lifetime and add a death benefit for other heirs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 10, 2026

The death benefit for beneficiaries helps offset that “lose it” risk.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 1, 2026

They can elect to continue the income over a spouse’s lifetime and add a death benefit for other heirs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 3, 2025

The death benefit in the Carpenters' union was graded in such a way as to offer an additional incentive to retain membership.

From Beneficiary Features of American Trade Unions by Kennedy, James B.