dying

American  

[dahy-ing] / ˈdaɪ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. ceasing to live; approaching death; expiring.

   a dying man.

2. of, relating to, or associated with death.

   his dying hour.

3. given, uttered, or manifested just before death.

   her dying words.

4. drawing to a close; ending.

   the dying year.

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noun

1. the act or process of ceasing to live, ending, or drawing to a close.

dying British  

/ ˈdaɪɪŋ /

verb

1. the present participle of die 1

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adjective

1. relating to or occurring at the moment of death

   a dying wish

dying Idioms  

1. see under die.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• half-dying
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dying

1250–1300; Middle English. See die ¹, -ing ², -ing ¹

Explanation

Something that's dying is about to die or is getting ready to stop existing. A shriveled up plant that hasn't been watered in days is probably dying. Dying is a process that will happen to us all: living things eventually die. But non-living things can be dying, too: a battery that doesn't have much juice left is dying, and so is a TV show that's bombing in the ratings. A craft that's losing popularity can be called a dying art. States of extreme stress or anticipation can also be described as a form of dying, as in "I'm dying to know how this book ends!"

Example Sentences

"It's very important that we make change. Children are dying because of it."

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

Travolta’s perspective on life and death seems collective, almost optimistic, as if dying is merely a long-haul journey between this existence and the next, with everyone he’s loved and lost waiting there with open arms.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

“Every Utahn is aware of our shrinking and dying Great Salt Lake and the role that plays in our economy, our climate, the lake effect, even for sending snow to ski resorts.”

From Slate • Jun. 1, 2026

Amy Kant initially thought she should name a power of attorney about 10 years ago after caring for a dying friend.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

These were Julius Caesar’s dying words when he realized that even his dear friend Brutus had been part of the murderous plot against him.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• death
• decease
• demise
• expiration
• loss of life
• passing