pensioner
Americannoun
-
a person who receives or lives on a pension.
-
a person who works only for pay without regard to the value of the work; a hireling.
-
a student at Cambridge University who pays the cost to dine in the commons and other expenses, and is not supported by any foundation.
-
Obsolete. a gentleman-at-arms.
noun
-
a person who is receiving a pension, esp an old-age pension from the state
-
a person dependent on the pay or bounty of another
-
obsolete another name for gentleman-at-arms
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pensioner
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; from Anglo-French; pension, + -er 2 ( def. )
Vocabulary lists containing pensioner
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Now I'm a bit calmer because there's more information," says Marialaina Retina Fernández, a pensioner, who describes the local healthcare facilities as "the best there is".
From BBC • May 8, 2026
He said: "If we're unable to send a pensioner who lives on their own away with a jar of coffee, that's a pretty sad state of affairs."
From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026
A view echoed by pensioner Lyubov Pavlenko who called the ceasefire "wonderful" news.
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
Leola Davies, a 74-year-old pensioner, described Eldorado Park as a "hell-hole to live in".
From BBC • Apr. 1, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
