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

“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

Another common practice is using the dividend toward “paid-up” additions, which is additional coverage that increases the total death benefit and can compound to earn even more dividends in the future.

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

Pay that premium, and I tell you now that the company will never pay a death benefit with less hesitation than it will pay this one.

From The Best Policy by Flower, Elliott