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

Sanft claimed his client fabricated his story in a 2008 interview with Los Angeles police and federal authorities, as part of their investigation into the 1997 slaying of Wallace, to avoid a life sentence for drug dealing. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

In 2022, Oklahoma death row inmate William Reece received three life sentences after pleading guilty to three murders in Texas, including the killing of 12-year-old Laura Smither, who was abducted while jogging near her home in Friendswood in 1997. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Jurors also have the option to find Clancy guilty of the lesser offenses of second-degree murder — punishable by a life sentence with the possibility of parole — or manslaughter, which carries a 20-year maximum sentence. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

He was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences with no possibility of parole as part of the deal. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 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