English Reference
verb · noun

die

v. · n.
US /ˈdaɪ/ UK /dˈaɪ/ die UK spelling died

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Informal

    v.to stop functioning or run out of power.

    v.to cease operating due to mechanical failure or exhaustion of a power source.

    Simple

    My phone is about to die because I forgot my charger at home.

    In context

    The engine gave a final shudder and died, leaving us stranded on a deserted stretch of highway in the middle of the night.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Informal

    v.to want something or want to do something very badly.

    v.to experience an intense or nearly unbearable desire for something.

    Simple

    I am dying for a cold drink after that long walk in the sun.

    In context

    After three months of field research in the jungle, the scientists were dying to return to the comforts of a modern city.

    Usage

    Usually used in the continuous form: 'dying for' or 'dying to'.

    yearnlong for
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate InformalHumorous

    v.to laugh a lot or feel very embarrassed.

    v.to be overcome by an extreme emotional reaction, such as amusement or mortification.

    Simple

    I nearly died when I realized I was wearing two different shoes.

    In context

    The audience was absolutely dying with laughter as the comedian recounted his disastrous first date.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a small cube with dots on each side used in games of chance.

    n.a small, throwable object with multiple marked faces used for generating random numbers in games.

    Simple

    Roll the die to see how many spaces you can move your piece.

    In context

    The player reached for the lone die, knowing that only a six would allow him to win the game on this turn.

    Usage

    Historically the singular of 'dice', though 'dice' is now commonly used for both singular and plural.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, many people use 'dice' for one cube, but 'die' remains the standard singular form in formal writing.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Technical

    n.a metal tool used to cut or shape materials in a factory.

    n.a specialized tool used in manufacturing to cut, shape, or stamp materials like metal or plastic.

    Simple

    The factory uses a special die to punch holes in the steel sheets.

    In context

    The precision-engineered die ensured that every coin struck during the production run had perfectly crisp edges and clear lettering.

Usage died aged · died at the age · died in hospital

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated