deathbed

American  

[deth-bed] / ˈdɛθˌbɛd /

noun

1. the bed on which a person dies.

   The museum contains Lincoln's deathbed.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of deathbed

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

Example Sentences

She was the chosen successor of Rep. Sala Burton, a short-timer who took over the House seat held for decades by her late husband, Philip, and who delivered a personal benediction from her deathbed.

From Los Angeles Times

From holding Franco's hand on the dictator's deathbed to helping defuse a coup, the 87-year-old reviews well-known moments from Spain's history in his 500-page book, published in French on Wednesday and in Spanish next month.

From Barron's

His family says he ended his life as a private citizen whose dying wish—literally from his deathbed—was that Hichilema not even be allowed near his casket.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I'm on my deathbed... in a room full of tuberculosis," he said.

From BBC

"Even on her deathbed in the hospital, she said to me, 'I'm sorry you've been left with this'."

From BBC