living will
noun
: a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means if disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery compare advance directive
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Hardin-O’Brien also made sure to include her medical wishes for end-of-life care, information that is typically included in a living will. 
Megan Marples, CNN, 16 Sep. 2022 But that is the point of a living will – to communicate your wishes. Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 24 June 2022 The millions of workers that drive cars for a living or that drive trucks for a living will be replaced by AI driving systems. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 June 2022 Missing were her late husband’s death certificate, a receipt from probate court, her living will, two doctors’ referrals and the deed to her house. Thomas Jewell, cleveland, 17 June 2022 Other important things to have are a medical directive or a living will — be sure to bring a copy with you to the hospital. Adriana Gallardo, ProPublica, 10 May 2022 Take home an advance care planning guidebook with Ohio advance directives, including the living will and the power of attorney for healthcare form. cleveland, 13 Mar. 2022 No one has shared a vision for the end of their lives, or written a living will. Rachael Bedard, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2022 Unmarried people should put a priority on developing the traditional estate planning documents that don’t pertain to disposition of property: the health care proxy (or advance medical directive or living will) and financial power of attorney. Bob Carlson, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021 See More
Megan Marples, CNN, 16 Sep. 2022 But that is the point of a living will – to communicate your wishes. Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 24 June 2022 The millions of workers that drive cars for a living or that drive trucks for a living will be replaced by AI driving systems. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 June 2022 Missing were her late husband’s death certificate, a receipt from probate court, her living will, two doctors’ referrals and the deed to her house. Thomas Jewell, cleveland, 17 June 2022 Other important things to have are a medical directive or a living will — be sure to bring a copy with you to the hospital. Adriana Gallardo, ProPublica, 10 May 2022 Take home an advance care planning guidebook with Ohio advance directives, including the living will and the power of attorney for healthcare form. cleveland, 13 Mar. 2022 No one has shared a vision for the end of their lives, or written a living will. Rachael Bedard, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2022 Unmarried people should put a priority on developing the traditional estate planning documents that don’t pertain to disposition of property: the health care proxy (or advance medical directive or living will) and financial power of attorney. Bob Carlson, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1969, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
living will
noun
: a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means in the event of becoming disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery see advance directive
Legal Definition
living will
noun
liv·ing will
: a document in which the signer indicates preferences or directions for the administration and especially the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining medical treatment in the event of terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness see also advance directive compare health care power of attorney at power of attorney