lifer

noun

lif·​er ˈlī-fər How to pronounce lifer (audio)
Synonyms of lifernext
1
: a person sentenced to imprisonment for life
2
: a person who makes a career of one of the armed forces
3
: a person who has made a lifelong commitment (as to a way of life)

Examples of lifer in a Sentence

He was a lifer at the factory.
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.
Prosecutors argued Levao already qualified for parole under a state law that took effect in 2014 and pointed to data showing many lifers are eventually found suitable for release. Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026 Wolf came from Green Bay, head coach Mike Vrabel and his right hand man John Streicher have a say, vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden learned under Marty Hurney, and vice president of player administration Matt Groh and director of research Richard Miller are Patriots lifers. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026 The way his Liverpool Scouse accent sludges across the track with a kind of soccer hooligan attitude could convert the most red-blooded NFL fan into a Champions League lifer. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026 International executives will be familiar with Walden, but are unlikely to know a huge amount about D’Amaro, a Disney lifer who has come up through the parks and experiences division. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lifer

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifer was in 1827

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Cite this Entry

“Lifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifer. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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