decedent

noun

de·​ce·​dent di-ˈsē-dᵊnt How to pronounce decedent (audio)
law
: a person who is no longer living : a deceased person
the estate of the decedent

Examples of decedent in a Sentence

a tax on the estate of the decedent
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.
Anyone who may know Ramos-Rivas’ relatives or can help get in contact with anyone with connections to the decedent is asked to contact the Lake County Coroner’s Office at 219-755-3265. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025 Due to the unusual circumstances of two decedents in the residence there was a concern for scene safety. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025 Under United Arab Emirate law, the property might default to heirs in compliance with Sharia, despite the decedent’s intentions that the property pass to her American husband. Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.d., Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 The deputy advised the male decedent also showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decedent

Word History

Etymology

Latin decedent-, decedens, present participle of decedere — see decease

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decedent was in 1599

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decedent. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

decedent

noun
de·​ce·​dent di-ˈsēd-ᵊnt How to pronounce decedent (audio)
: a deceased person
used chiefly in law

Medical Definition

decedent

noun
de·​ce·​dent di-ˈsēd-ᵊnt How to pronounce decedent (audio)
: a deceased person
used chiefly in law

Legal Definition

decedent

noun
de·​ce·​dent di-ˈsēd-ᵊnt How to pronounce decedent (audio)
: a deceased person
the estate of the decedent
Etymology

Latin decedent-, decedens, present participle of decedere to depart, die

More from Merriam-Webster on decedent

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