death benefit

American  

noun

1. the amount of money to be paid under the terms of an insurance policy to the designated beneficiary upon the death of the insured.

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Etymology

Origin of death benefit

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

death benefit

Unless there was an error by the insurer, a lapsed policy has no death benefit.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026

Buyers can elect to continue the income over a spouse’s lifetime and add a death benefit for other heirs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 10, 2026

You’re basically paying the cost of a typical household utility bill for a tax-free $1.5 million death benefit.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 15, 2025

That is less than half the $800,000 cash-in value of Montana’s policy and a fraction of the death benefit, according to a court challenge she made this year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2025

The period of good standing required to draw a particular sum is usually greater in the case of the disability benefit than in the case of the death benefit.

From Beneficiary Features of American Trade Unions by Kennedy, James B.