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

She was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences, 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin announced on July 10. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

New Hampshire lawmakers have rejected attempts to end life sentences for juveniles, but Tulloch's case could bolster future attempts. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

Jurors spared them the death penalty, but both are serving life sentences with no possibility of parole. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026

On Friday, prosecutor Scott Warfman detailed the brutality of the crime, urging the judge to hand down several life sentences. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 10 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