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

Even more daunting with IUL is that if you borrow against the policy or don’t keep feeding the premiums, you can end up depleting the death benefit and the cash value.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • May 6, 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 death benefit is thus regarded by the unions not as a pure matter of business.

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