# dying

/ˈdaɪɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈaɪɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dying
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. ending or disappearing

adjective · CEFR B2

coming to an end or losing power and importance.

For teachers: declining, terminal, or drawing to a close; often used figuratively for traditions or industries.

- The village is trying to save the dying art of handmade lace.
- The dying embers of the fire provided just enough light to navigate the cabin without waking the others.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'a dying breed' to describe something becoming rare.

### 3. the process of death

noun · CEFR B2

the time or process of losing life.

For teachers: the process of approaching death or the state of being near death.

- She spent her career studying the psychology of death and dying.
- The documentary explores how different cultures approach the act of dying with various rituals and beliefs.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun in philosophical or medical contexts.

## Examples

- The dying plant needs water immediately.
- The doctor spent the afternoon providing comfort to the dying patient and their family.
- As the sun set, the dying light cast long, purple shadows across the valley, signaling the end of the long summer day.

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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.