body count

noun

1. the number of soldiers killed in a specific period or in a particular military action:

   The daily body count increased as the war went on.

Word History and Origins

Origin of body count¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

I guarantee you the Trump sequel won’t be anywhere near as entertaining as Godfather II, though the body count promises to be much higher.

From Salon

Mistakes are regularly made and the body count is very high; “Slow Horses,” often shocking in its choices, does not shrink from sacrifice.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the high body count, consider this a murder of “The Crow.”

From Los Angeles Times

Gun violence is so ubiquitous that we only raise our heads once in a great while when the body count is shockingly high or the victims are particularly vulnerable, like elementary school children.

From Salon

Last year, one of the major stories surrounding the Kentucky Derby was the body count that was adding up in the 10 days before the big race.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• census