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

Fifteen years ago, Beijing's Liangma riverbanks would have been smog-choked and deserted in winter, but these days they are dotted with families and exercising pensioners most mornings.

From Barron's

From the outside, it's just a public leisure centre on the edge of town, with sprightly pensioners staying flexible in aerobics classes and excitable kids in for swimming lessons.

From BBC

And though President Vladimir Putin recently hailed a cooling of inflation amid high interest rates, pensioners in the Saint Petersburg soup kitchen say their situation is still dire.

From Barron's

Marianne, a pensioner, told AFP on Monday, speaking outside the bakery where the winning ticket was sold, still shaken by the news.

From Barron's

Investors and pensioners don’t need to worry about the charge.

From Barron's

Related Words

• beneficiary
• dependent