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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tex McIver's felony murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence. Lauren A. White, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 The survivors face criminal terrorism charges that could carry a life sentence. ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026 In 2025, Bryan Kohberger accepted a plea deal in order to avoid the death penalty for the murders of Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogenand was sentenced to four life sentences without parole. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026 Bardem has gone the extra mile on the tattoos for his Cady, who is bent on revenge for his prison stint, which had originally been a life sentence. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 31 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 7 Apr. 2026.

Legal Definition

life sentence

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