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

The Michigan Supreme Court has ordered the state Court of Appeals to take another look at the life sentence given to Ethan Crumbley, the Oxford High School shooter, including whether his trial attorneys mishandled a defense expert's testimony. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Just three days before his death, Zahnd secured a life sentence for Taquiza Johnson, a former Kansas City police officer who shot and killed a 71-year-old man outside a Northland Walmart. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026

De Mello ultimately turned himself in to the authorities on June 3, 1893 and received a life sentence, per Spencer’s book. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Marcareno is facing a single felony count of aiding and abetting first-degree murder, which is also punishable by a life sentence. — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Sep. 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