deathbed

noun

death·​bed ˈdeth-ˌbed How to pronounce deathbed (audio)
1
: the bed in which a person dies
2
: the last hours of life
see also:
on one's deathbed

Examples of deathbed 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.
Sterling had promised her mother, on her deathbed, to become a lawyer and make a name for herself in the wider world. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026 Written on his deathbed in 1988, Feldman‘s piece reflects a final harmonic vision combining mismatched patterning of Turkish rugs and Hebraic chant. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 Collins added that his five children rushed to the hospital, thinking their father was on his deathbed. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026 Riffing on late ’50s Broadway productions, the show sees Hoover on his deathbed while dreaming about his life as a musical. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deathbed

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deathbed was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing deathbed

Rhymes for deathbed

See All Rhymes for deathbed

Browse Nearby Words

death apple
deathbed
deathbed deed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deathbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deathbed. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

deathbed

noun
death·​bed -ˌbed How to pronounce deathbed (audio)
1
: the bed in which a person dies
2
: the last hours of life

Medical Definition

deathbed

noun
death·​bed ˈdeth-ˌbed How to pronounce deathbed (audio)
1
: the bed in which a person dies
2
: the last hours of life

More from Merriam-Webster on deathbed

Nglish: Translation of deathbed for Spanish Speakers

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