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

A police motorcyclist who crashed into a pensioner while escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh through London has been found not guilty of causing death by careless driving.

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A woman, said by police to have bought cryptocurrency now worth billions of pounds using funds stolen from thousands of Chinese pensioners, is due to be sentenced this week for money laundering.

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The rebellion undermined Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's authority, which was weakened after a series of policy reversals, including restoring the Winter Fuel Payment to millions of pensioners.

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About nine million pensioners will also get the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025/2026, worth £200 or £300, after a government U-turn over eligibility.

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Not all pensioners receive the full state pension, and some rely on other benefit income.

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Related Words

• beneficiary 
• dependent