life sentence

noun

plural life sentences
: a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convicted person's life when there is no possibility of parole or for a minimum number of years under applicable law until the convicted person becomes eligible for and is granted parole

Examples of life sentence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Mejia, who had spoken at Robinson’s first sentencing hearing in 2024, reiterated his call for a life sentence. Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026 Denise and Aaron had hoped for a life sentence. Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026 Now 57, Vogelsang has served 27 years of a 355-years-to-life sentence and is housed at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, state records show. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026 Cyrus was later given three consecutive life sentences. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for life sentence

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of life sentence was in 1817

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Cite this Entry

“Life sentence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20sentence. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Legal Definition

life sentence

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