pensioner

[ pen-shuh-ner ]

noun

1. a person who receives or lives on a pension.
2. a person who works only for pay without regard to the value of the work; a hireling.
3. a student at Cambridge University who pays the cost to dine in the commons and other expenses, and is not supported by any foundation.
4. Obsolete. a gentleman-at-arms.

ˈpensioner

/ ˈpɛnʃənə /

noun

1. a person who is receiving a pension, esp an old-age pension from the state
2. a person dependent on the pay or bounty of another
3. See gentleman-at-arms
   obsolete.
   another name for gentleman-at-arms

Other Words From

• pension·er·ship noun
• non·pension·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pensioner¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; from Anglo-French; pension, + -er ²( def )

Example Sentences

“As Muslims, we want it to be a mosque, but we also have to think of the foreigners and their rights,” said Asim Gur, a pensioner.

From The Daily Beast

Dimitris Christoulas, the pensioner who took his life, summed up the sentiments of many in his chilling suicide note.

From The Daily Beast

Unlike the NFL pensioner, Anthony has nothing to fall back on.

From The Daily Beast

To-morrow—a crippled veteran, and after that a pensioner drifting fast into a garrulous dotage.

From Project Gutenberg

Look at that vast host of our enemies—each one of them a future pensioner on a fool people.

From Project Gutenberg

I thank you for the copy of your letter to the pensioner, and for your dialogue between York and Chatham.

From Project Gutenberg

Neither Mr. Nicoll nor the other pensioner assert that Martin was guilty of a loose life.

From Project Gutenberg

One end of the deckhouse of the Nassau was occupied by a pensioner of Fulton's, who sold candies and cakes.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• beneficiary
• dependent