sudden death

noun

, Sports.

1. an overtime period in which a tied contest is won and play is stopped immediately after one of the contestants scores, as in football, or goes ahead, as in golf.

sudden death

noun

1. (in sports, etc) an extra game or contest to decide the winner of a tied competition
2. an unexpected or quick death

Other Words From

• sudden-death adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sudden death¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

The preliminary reason, according to a track veterinarian, was sudden death likely a heart attack.

From Los Angeles Times

Five from musculoskeletal injuries and two by sudden death.

From Los Angeles Times

Even in their grief, fans around the world have been moved to action following Payne's tragic and sudden death.

From Salon

Payne's sudden death led to an outpouring of grief from his family, friends and fans around the world.

From BBC

The sudden death of so many friends and colleagues in such a familiar and beloved place has badly shaken Southern California pilots.

From Los Angeles Times