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

The death benefit may not be as advantageous to you, given that you are single with no children.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

“From age 30 to a hypothetical age 90 actual death, that could increase the death benefit two or threefold,” says Weber, who is also treasurer of the Life Insurance Consumer Advocacy Center.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 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 railroad company he worked for gave Gianetsas, who could barely speak English at the time, a death benefit worth $1,500.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2024

The mutual insurance association instituted by the first convention paid a disability benefit equal to the death benefit.

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