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

Guzmán was convicted in 2019 and is serving a life sentence at a federal prison in Colorado. — Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 20 July 2026

Zambada’s punishment was guaranteed by his guilty plea last year to drug trafficking charges that carry a mandatory life sentence. — Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Perez’s only request to the court was that Zambada be spared the fate of El Chapo, who is serving out his life sentence under strict isolation at a federal supermax prison in Colorado. — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

My husband is serving a life sentence, with the possibility of parole. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 20 July 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