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Synonyms

undead

American  
[uhn-ded] / ˌʌnˈdɛd /

adjective

  1. no longer alive but animated by a supernatural force, as a vampire or zombie.


noun

(used with a plural verb)
  1. undead beings collectively.

undead British  
/ ʌnˈdɛd /

adjective

    1. (of a fictional being, such as a vampire) technically dead but reanimated

    2. ( as collective noun; preceded by the )

      the undead

"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

Etymology

Origin of undead

First recorded in 1895–1900; un- 1 ( def. ) + dead ( def. )

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.

See Examples For:

Lestat is slightly bored with existing yet curious to see whether his music, primarily plied on the Internet, can reach enough undead followers to hasten the vampire apocalypse known as The Great Conversion.

From Salon Jun. 13, 2026

But for a musical about the undead, it’s refreshingly human.

From Los Angeles Times May 5, 2026

Leigh Price, 51, from Builth Wells, said he was not prepping for hordes of the undead roaming the landscape, as many might assume, but for much more real threats.

From BBC Mar. 20, 2026

Being resurrected for a fourth season doesn’t necessarily qualify a dramatic series as being among the undead, though “Industry” really is a vampire story.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 8, 2026

“Yes, Mrs. Edgar said they’ve seen a few undead around their property of late,” Katherine interjects.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

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