pensioner

American  

[pen-shuh-ner] / ˈpɛn ʃə nər /

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.

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ˈpensioner British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nonpensioner noun
• pensionership noun

Etymology

Origin of pensioner

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; from Anglo-French; pension, + -er ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

"If we can feed a pensioner's dog for two weeks, that could allow them to have the heating on. If someone's car's broken on the way to work, we can step in," Ms Arthur said.

From BBC

James Jones and his wife Christine, like millions of other pensioners, have seen their winter fuel payment reinstated following a government U-turn on restricting the allowance.

From BBC

A Lincolnshire pensioner is celebrating 50 years of caring for unwanted animals - big and small.

From BBC

To save face with her fellow pensioners, Mrs. Palfrey passes off a struggling writer she meets on the street as her grandson, only to draw confusingly close to him.

From The Wall Street Journal

The family of a County Down pensioner who was found unresponsive after being given the wrong medication by domiciliary carers have said they thought she had died.

From BBC

Related Words

• beneficiary
• dependent