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.
Maximum sentence The rape charges carry a maximum life sentence in prison. Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 Dozens of defendants are expected to appear in federal court in Los Angeles and Santa Ana, with many facing decades in prison or life sentences if convicted. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 Cardenas has been serving a life sentence since 2004 for murdering a rival gang member, according to documents filed in Orange County Superior Court. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 An inmate already serving a potential life sentence for a Los Angeles County shooting pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for killing his cellmate three years ago at a Northern California prison. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 2026.

Legal Definition

life sentence

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