moribundo
“moribundo” means “dying” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
dying
Also: fading, moribund
📝 In Action
El animal moribundo fue rescatado por los veterinarios.
B1The dying animal was rescued by the veterinarians.
Observamos la luz moribunda del atardecer tras las montañas.
B2We watched the fading light of the sunset behind the mountains.
Es una empresa moribunda que no durará mucho más.
C1It is a dying company that won't last much longer.
dying person
📝 In Action
El sacerdote dio consuelo al moribundo.
B2The priest gave comfort to the dying man.
Los familiares rodeaban la cama de la moribunda.
B2The relatives surrounded the dying woman's bed.
Es difícil saber qué está pensando un moribundo.
C1It is hard to know what a dying person is thinking.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: moribundo
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence describes a fire that is almost out?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'moribundus', which comes from the verb 'mori' (to die). The suffix '-bundus' in Latin suggests a state of being full of or tending toward an action.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'muriendo' and 'moribundo'?
'Muriendo' is the action (he is dying right now), while 'moribundo' is a description of his state (he is in a dying state). 'Moribundo' often feels more descriptive or literary.
Can I use 'moribundo' for a phone battery?
While not common, it would be understood as a dramatic or poetic way to say your phone is 'dying'. Usually, people just say 'sin batería'.
Is it a 'sad' word?
Yes, it is almost always used in serious, somber, or sad contexts.