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short-timer

American  
[shawrt-tahy-mer] / ˈʃɔrtˈtaɪ mər /

noun

Informal.
  1. a person, as a soldier, who has a short period of time left to serve on a tour of duty.


Etymology

Origin of short-timer

short time + -er 1

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.

Or would it become just another deep-pocketed short-timer?

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2025

Harvick believes his team has come close to success this season and he’s still chasing victory despite his short-timer status on track.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 31, 2023

The chief himself is a short-timer: the District native who joined the department as a cadet in 1989 announced that he’s leaving to take a job with the FBI.

From Washington Times • May 9, 2023

Pundits here in London speak about Charles as a short-timer in tones similar to those that people across the pond use when speculating over whether Biden will run again.

From Washington Post • Sep. 16, 2022

“But he didn’t live to be a short-timer by being stupid.”

From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers

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