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. obsolete,  another name for gentleman-at-arms

Other Word Forms

• pensionership noun
• nonpensioner 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

The operator flicked a switch to release a grenade, which exploded and tore into the legs of the 69-year-old pensioner.

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She also said millionaires should be stripped of the state pension - and payments increased to the least well-off pensioners.

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"You try to take a Murray mint off a pensioner - uproar. But we've closed thousands of youth clubs. It's a national disaster."

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Support for pensioners through the winter fuel payment was initially slashed by the government, a move that led to a significant u-turn.

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Only pensioners with an annual income of £35,000 or less will be eligible for the payment.

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Related Words

• beneficiary 
• dependent