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

Among those is John, one of several co-conspirators who has pleaded guilty and is cooperating in hope of receiving a reduction in their life sentences. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

Pacciani was given a life sentence for killing six of the eight couples and also found guilty of raping his two daughters. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

Tadaryl Shipp, who is serving a life sentence and is due for his next parole hearing in 2031, carved pentagrams into her chest and face. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Vance Boelter is already serving a federal life sentence for the attack on Minnesota lawmakers that killed House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for life sentence

• presentence
• repentance

Legal Definition

life sentence

see also:

sentence