lifer

noun

lif·​er ˈlī-fər How to pronounce lifer (audio)
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.
Ekblad, a Panthers lifer, has thought about it, at least when asked before this series. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2025 Ron Washington is a baseball lifer, but some recent health concerns will force the Los Angeles Angels manager to take some time away from the game. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025 Bolles, of course, has been a lifer since the doldrums of 2017. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 June 2025 The Orioles in their present form are painful to watch, even for this Orioles lifer. — George Hammerbacher, Catonsville Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifer. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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