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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Betty Broderick, convicted in the 1989 California killings of her ex-husband and his new wife, has died at 78 while serving a life sentence. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 9 May 2026 The men now face potential life sentences. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026 Her former brother-in-law, William Balfour, was convicted of the murders and is currently serving three consecutive life sentences in prison. Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026 At least five others have pleaded guilty in the conspiracy and are serving life sentences. David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 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 12 May. 2026.

Legal Definition

life sentence

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