sudden death

American  

noun

Sports.

1. an overtime period in which a tied contest is won and play is stopped immediately after one of the contestants scores, as in football, or goes ahead, as in golf.

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sudden death British  

noun

1. (in sports, etc) an extra game or contest to decide the winner of a tied competition

2. an unexpected or quick death

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Other Word Forms

• sudden-death adjective

Etymology

Origin of sudden death

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

When Sangha heard news reports about Perry's sudden death, she tried to cover her tracks.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The singer's sudden death sparked anger and distress among millions of fans in his home state Assam, and set off a wave of mourning.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

“Bridgerton” Season 4 concluded with Francesca dealing with the sudden death of her husband, played by Victor Alli, as well as Michaela’s abrupt decision to leave London, despite her promise to stay.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

It was only after Huber’s sudden death that his daughter sold the brand to Estée Lauder in 1995.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

He was still faithful in coming through Aunt Fanny’s sugarbush grove every morning, though she’d threatened us all with sudden death if we trespassed.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck