deceased

American

[dih-seest] / dɪˈsist /

adjective

no longer living; dead.

noun

the deceased,
1. the particular dead person or persons referred to.
2. dead persons collectively.
  
  to speak well of the deceased.

deceased British

/ dɪˈsiːst /

adjective

1. a more formal word for dead
2. ( as noun )
  
  the deceased

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See dead.

Other Word Forms

undeceased adjective

Etymology

Origin of deceased

First recorded in 1480–90; decease + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

An A-B trust is another option: The “A” trust is revocable and holds the surviving spouse’s assets; the “B” trust is irrevocable and holds the deceased spouse’s assets.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

He says he knew of only three deceased people on the premises.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

The filings in Los Angeles County Superior Court show Cal/OSHA began its investigation into the working conditions and training provided to the deceased detectives three days after the explosion.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Known as shabties, they perform agricultural duties for the deceased, but primarily they express dignity, immeasurable calm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

“Just as the deceased had requested,” said the paper, “a good time was had by all. It’s just too bad that the one who would have enjoyed it most couldn’t be there.”

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023