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.

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

He said he was inspired by the work of Dr William Price, a self-proclaimed druid who was put on trial in Cardiff for trying to cremate his deceased five-month old son in 1884.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 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

"Their bravery, their sacrifice and their names will not be forgotten," Springsteen said about the two deceased Americans.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Lithuanian tradition called for an empty place to be left at the table for family members who were gone or deceased.

From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys

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