catch dead

phrase

: to find or see at any time
—used in strongly negative constructions
wouldn't be caught dead in that shirt

Examples of catch dead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some guests have sailed their own boats; few would be caught dead on a big ship. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026 SpaceX, for example, has developed reusable rockets, and Astroscale, an on-orbit servicing company, is creating a robotic space arm that can catch dead satellites. — Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catch dead was in 1870

Rhymes for catch dead

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Browse Nearby Words

catchcry
catch dead
catch dog
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Cite this Entry

“Catch dead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch%20dead. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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