# deathbed

/ˈdɛθˌbɛd/ (US) · /dˈɛθbɛd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deathbed
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the bed where a person who is dying lies. It is often used to describe the final moments of someone's life.

For teachers: the bed on which a person who is dying lies. Often used figuratively to refer to the final hours or moments of a person's life.

## Examples

- He made a promise on his deathbed.
- The old man spent his final days on his deathbed, surrounded by family and friends.
- The dying patient's final words were a request for privacy, a quiet moment of dignity on his deathbed that his family respected deeply.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.