deathbed

[ deth-bed ]

noun

1. the bed on which a person dies:

   The museum contains Lincoln's deathbed.

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, said, or done during the last few hours of a person's life:

   a deathbed confession.

deathbed

/ ˈdɛθˌbɛd /

noun

1. 1. the bed in which a person is about to die
   2. ( as modifier )

      a deathbed conversion

2. on one's deathbed
   about to die

Word History and Origins

Origin of deathbed¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, deathbed is from the Middle English word deethbed. See death, bed

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on one's deathbed, in the last few hours before death.

Example Sentences

There’s also, per the title, a prophecy, a deathbed vision by Valya’s predecessor of an apocalyptic “red dust” storm that will wipe out … something.

From Los Angeles Times

Although at the time she said she had not yet seen the episode, she expressed gratitude that Steinmetz wasn’t in the scene and that cameras didn’t show her mother on her deathbed.

From Los Angeles Times

“No one on their deathbed is going to look back and say, ‘Thank God I avoided being cringe.’”

From Los Angeles Times

“Even my own mother who was lucky enough to have been present at the birth of all four of her great-grandchildren was still working literally on her deathbed at 74.”

From Salon

“From being on my deathbed to the Paralympics is just a crazy journey. I am in awe of myself and my team.”

From BBC