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

The pensioner added he had asked his landlord and daughter to search for supplies but they had also struggled to find any.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

"This is no salary," pensioner Pilar Navarro, 72, told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Just over the border from Iran, in the Turkmenistan capital Ashgabat, pensioner Shemshat Kurbanova is used to buying Iranian juices and fruits.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

"What has happened to the Palestinians is so unjust," said pensioner Jean Apps, 81, from Purley in south London.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

The final addition to the regular group at the farm was Mr. Jelliman, an amiable white pensioner and old friend of the movement who became the farm foreman.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• beneficiary
• dependent