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deathbed. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
deathbed, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
deathbed in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
deathbed you have here. The definition of the word
deathbed will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
deathbed, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Middle English dethbed, from Old English dēaþbedd (“deathbed; grave”), equivalent to death + bed. Cognate with Swedish dödsbädd (“deathbed”). Compare also Dutch sterfbed (“deathbed”), German Sterbebett and Totenbett (both “deathbed”), Danish dødsleje (“deathbed”).
Pronunciation
Noun
deathbed (plural deathbeds)
- The bed on which someone dies.
1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 254:He was once on his way to an old woman, who was on her death-bed and who had led a wicked life.
- The last hours before death.
Usage notes
All three forms deathbed, death-bed, death bed are in use but deathbed seems to be preferred.
Derived terms
Translations
the bed on which someone dies