lifer

American  

[lahy-fer] / ˈlaɪ fər /

noun

Slang.

1. a person sentenced to or serving a term of life imprisonment.

2. a person committed to a professional lifetime career in the military.

3. a person who has devoted a lifetime to a profession, occupation, or pursuit.

4. (in birding)

   1. Also called life bird.  a species of bird not seen previously and that will therefore be added to the bird watcher's life list.

   2. the sighting of a bird of a previously unseen species.

      It seems like forever since I've had a lifer!

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lifer British  

/ ˈlaɪfə /

noun

1. informal a prisoner sentenced to life imprisonment

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Etymology

Origin of lifer

First recorded in 1820–30; life + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The Flex Lifer designation adds a much-needed complexity to the conversation that we have around how women arrange their lives as adults.

From Salon • Jun. 23, 2018

In a Facebook posting Monday, Yenbamroong confessed that he and St. Lifer would be postponing their honeymoon.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2016

Or are you a This American Lifer seeking some audial diversity?

From The Guardian • Jun. 24, 2014

A Lifer Stung by 47 Losses Nobody taught me more about life, or basketball, than Roy Rubin, who died Aug. 5 at 87.

From New York Times • Aug. 17, 2013

He sat beside the Higher Lifer on the platform, and behind them were the six deacons.

From Old Gorgon Graham More Letters from a Self-Made Merchant to His Son by Lorimer, George Horace

Related Words

• convict
• delinquent
• lawbreaker
• offender