deathbed

American  

[deth-bed] / ˈdɛθˌbɛd /

noun

• deathbeds
  plural

1. the bed on which a person dies.

   The museum contains Lincoln's deathbed.

---

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, said, or done during the last few hours of a person's life.

   a deathbed confession.

idioms

1. on one's deathbed, in the last few hours before death.

deathbed British  

/ ˈdɛθˌbɛd /

noun

1. 1. the bed in which a person is about to die

   2. ( as modifier )

      a deathbed conversion

2. about to die

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• deathbeds
  plural

---

Etymology

Origin of deathbed

First recorded in 1350–1400, deathbed is from the Middle English word deethbed. See death, bed

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

deathbed deathbeds

“If you’re on your deathbed at 70, that’s 20 years of your life spent on a screen, not where your feet are at.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 7, 2026

"We are asking those involved in this illegal rendition that has put Dr Besigye on his deathbed be addressed and those responsible be held accountable," said Hussein Khalid of rights group Vocal Africa.

From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026

She put aside work on her novel “Albine Fiori” only to take to her deathbed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

A test that Kilgore has used throughout her career is the deathbed test where she asks whether a project will still feel worthwhile at the end of her life.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

What happened, while Granny was on her deathbed, Mama got up a black outfit for Mary Toy to wear to the funeral—black taffeta dress, black stockings, black slippers, and a little black bonnet.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

The first occurred on July 4, 1826, when the last members of a generation of fiery patriots lay on their deathbeds.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026

As a pastor, I have been by the side of people on their deathbeds.

From Salon ● Apr. 28, 2024

He did not want to destroy what he called a “delusion” that these missionaries might need on their own deathbeds.

From New York Times ● Jan. 21, 2024

“Why is ICE choosing to release people from custody who are on their deathbeds while they’re hospitalized?” said Eunice Cho, an attorney at the ACLU.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2022

These falsehoods the orders readily sold to the laity on deathbeds and under other circumstances.

From Epistle Sermons, Vol. II Epiphany, Easter and Pentecost by John Nicholas Lenker

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---