death rate

American  

[deth reyt] / ˈdɛθ ˌreɪt /

noun

1. mortality rate.

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death rate British  

noun

1. Also called (esp US): mortality rate.  the ratio of deaths in a specified area, group, etc, to the population of that area, group, etc

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Etymology

Origin of death rate

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Hantavirus is suspected of spreading aboard a luxury cruise ship, killing three passengers and sparking new concerns as a once obscure disease, with an extraordinarily high death rate, rises amid changing climate conditions.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

We can cut this death rate with early and consistent prenatal care, research has shown.

From Salon • Mar. 1, 2026

It found the death rate increased among patients who had severe heart attacks, which refers to when a blood vessel that feeds the heart is completely blocked.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

The 30-day death rate fell from 25.7% before the new system to 13.9% afterward.

From Science Daily • Nov. 9, 2025

There was a much lower death rate inside the hospital than outside the hospital, and a much healthier death rate.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller