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
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In exchange for the death penalty being taken off the table, Kohberger will serve four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. Michael Ruiz , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026 In the end, the judge handed down a life sentence to Logan, who could be eligible for parole in 20 years. Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 Darin McFarlin's two life sentences will be served consecutively and come without the possibility of parole, the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office said. Brandon Downs, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026 Palacios, Jaar and three others have pleaded guilty to the main conspiracy charge and face life sentences. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 15 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 26 Apr. 2026.

Legal Definition

life sentence

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