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
Nichols and defense attorney Kelly Meador, who also represents Williams, argued against a life sentence but did not recommend a specific number of years to the jury.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Dec. 2025
The defense is trying to save Banegas' life, hoping the jury will opt to recommend a life sentence instead of execution.
—Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
Frank, serving a life sentence, takes a prison job caring for aging inmates with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 10 Dec. 2025
Each of those six charges carries a possible life sentence in prison.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for life sentence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Dec. 2025
The defense is trying to save Banegas' life, hoping the jury will opt to recommend a life sentence instead of execution.
—Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
Frank, serving a life sentence, takes a prison job caring for aging inmates with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 10 Dec. 2025
Each of those six charges carries a possible life sentence in prison.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for life sentence
Cite this Entry
“Life sentence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20sentence. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share