deathbed

See also: death-bed and death bed

English

Alternative forms

note: all three forms are in use but deathbed seems to be preferred.

Etymology

From Middle English dethbed, from Old English dēaþbed, 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
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈdɛθbɛd/

Noun

deathbed (plural deathbeds)

  1. The bed on which someone dies.
  2. The last hours before death.

Derived terms

Translations
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