life insurance

American

noun

insurance providing for payment of a sum of money to a named beneficiary upon the death of the policyholder or to the policyholder if still living after reaching a specified age.

life insurance British

noun

another name for life assurance

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of life insurance

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While it’s often the most affordable type of life insurance relative to the payout, premiums can increase significantly for smokers or those with health conditions.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

“My brothers and I are willing to split the cost of life insurance for her, if we can find a policy.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

It’s more expensive than term life insurance and, in your 50s, it could cost $500 a month for one $500,000 policy, or less if you have a smaller payout.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Your best bet is guaranteed-issue whole life insurance.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

When one $2,000 pledge was rejected, Anthony offered her life insurance to cover the difference.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023