manslaughter

noun

man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio)
: the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Examples of manslaughter in a Sentence

She was convicted of manslaughter for driving while drunk and killing three people.
Recent Examples on the Web The pickup’s driver was released from the hospital and arrested on several allegations, including suspicion of murder, felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter. Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024 On Monday, police announced that Lau was arrested and booked on suspicion of three counts of felony vehicular manslaughter, felony reckless driving causing bodily injury, and additional traffic violations. Sarah Al-Arshani, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024 He was arrested a short time later not far from his home, authorities said, and was eventually convicted of voluntary manslaughter. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2024 Read has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a collision. Faith Karimi, CNN, 16 Mar. 2024 James Crumbley, who bought the gun his son used to kill four students in a Michigan school shooting, was found guilty of manslaughter on Thursday, the Associated Press reported. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2024 On Wednesday, Long – whose case was transferred to adult court − pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter and tampering with evidence. Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2024 Related article Jurors found a school shooter’s mother guilty of manslaughter. Lauren Del Valle, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024 Elena Marie Rodriguez, 18, was found guilty of four counts of manslaughter and leaving the scene of a July 2022 accident. The Arizona Republic, 9 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'manslaughter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manslaughter was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near manslaughter

Cite this Entry

“Manslaughter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manslaughter. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio)
: the unlawful killing of a person without the intention to do so

Medical Definition

manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯt-ər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio)
: the slaying of a human being
specifically : the unlawful killing of a human being without express or implied malice

Legal Definition

manslaughter

noun
man·​slaugh·​ter ˈman-ˌslȯ-tər How to pronounce manslaughter (audio)
: the unlawful killing of a human being without malice compare homicide, murder
involuntary manslaughter
: manslaughter resulting from the failure to perform a legal duty expressly required to safeguard human life, from the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or from the commission of a lawful act involving a risk of injury or death that is done in an unlawful, reckless, or grossly negligent manner see also reckless homicide at homicide

Note: The exact formulation of the elements of involuntary manslaughter vary from state to state especially with regard to the level of negligence required. In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, involuntary manslaughter is usually graded as a second- or third-degree offense.

misdemeanor-manslaughter
: involuntary manslaughter occurring during the commission of a misdemeanor compare felony murder at murder
voluntary manslaughter
: manslaughter resulting from an intentional act done without malice or premeditation and while in the heat of passion or on sudden provocation

Note: In states that grade manslaughter by degrees, voluntary manslaughter is usually a first-degree offense.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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