lifer

[ lahy-fer ]

/ ˈlaɪ fər /

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See synonyms for: lifer / lifers on Thesaurus.com

noun Slang.

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

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

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

(in birding)

Also called life bird . a species of bird not seen previously and that will therefore be added to the bird watcher's life list.
the sighting of a bird of a previously unseen species: It seems like forever since I've had a lifer!

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Origin of lifer

First recorded in 1820–30; life + -er¹

Words nearby lifer

life partner, life peer, life plant, life preserver, lifequake, lifer, life raft, lifesaver, life-saving, Lifesaving Service, life science

How to use lifer in a sentence

Some cowboy lifers insist on synthetic fill, since it will dry quicker and even insulate in the event of unexpected rain—you know, a primary reason you have a tent at all—while others prefer the compression and breathability of down.
An Ode to Cowboy Camping|awise|July 27, 2021|Outside Online
In a sense, Staley is the new VanDerveer, a coaching lifer who will influence generations.
Twenty-five years ago, the U.S. women won basketball gold and established a legacy|Jerry Brewer|April 1, 2021|Washington Post
Maryland governors paroled between 25 and 92 lifers in their terms from 1969 to 1995.
Lawsuit settlement changes Maryland parole system for those sentenced to life as juveniles|Emily Davies|March 10, 2021|Washington Post
Ligon broke every unenviable record, becoming the nation’s oldest, longest-serving juvenile lifer.
He was locked up at age 15. Almost seven decades later, he’s reentering an unfamiliar world.|Karen Heller|February 19, 2021|Washington Post

Among his advocates was John Pace, 52, a former juvenile lifer who knew Ligon for two decades in Graterford prison.
He was locked up at age 15. Almost seven decades later, he’s reentering an unfamiliar world.|Karen Heller|February 19, 2021|Washington Post
Plus, Scarborough still has credibility on the right of the GOP as a pro-lifer and good friend of Erick Erickson.
RIP, Joe Scarborough For President 2016|Olivia Nuzzi|March 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The report reveals some disturbing trends in the current lifer prison population, Nellis says.
New Sentencing Project Report Reveals Scary Increase in Life Sentences|Eliza Shapiro|September 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But that means a significant portion of the lifer population is behind bars for a non-homicide, Nellis points out.
New Sentencing Project Report Reveals Scary Increase in Life Sentences|Eliza Shapiro|September 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It was so important that journalists found it fitting to ask every pro-lifer in their path to discuss it.
Why I Didn't Write About Gosnell's Trial--And Why I Should Have|Megan McArdle|April 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST
As the PA prison system awaits its newest lifer, here are eight fun facts.
Jerry Sandusky Sentenced: Eight Facts About Pennsylvania Prisons|Abby Haglage|October 10, 2012|DAILY BEAST
There is a lifer here in Folsom, Matthew Davies, of old pioneer stock, who is trusty of the scaffold and execution chamber.
The Jacket (The Star-Rover)|Jack London
When this old lifer was a child there was much talk in his family of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
The Jacket (The Star-Rover)|Jack London
These cases are virtually hopeless, and are little less pitiable than that of the “lifer” in a prison.
Habits that Handicap|Charles B. Towns
Up the beach we chased, and dragged out the boat we called our ‘Lifer.’
The Motor Girls on Crystal Bay|Margaret Penrose
The djinn was in for a lifer, and was immortal; so thought Challis to himself.
It Never Can Happen Again|William De Morgan

British Dictionary definitions for lifer

lifer

/ (ˈlaɪfə) /

noun

informal a prisoner sentenced to life imprisonment

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

lifer

Origin of lifer

Words nearby lifer

Words related to lifer

How to use lifer in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for lifer