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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pensioner 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

In a police interview, Doughty said he had become frustrated because the machine would not accept coins, adding that police were "more interested in ripping off a pensioner".

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Despite the letters, the pensioner was still convicted of a crime in the Single Justice Procedure, a fast-track court process where magistrates hand out convictions and punishments in private hearings.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Iranian pensioner Morteza Hamidi said he has seen Trump back down too many times to take his words seriously: "We are now numb to his threats," he told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 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

Related Words

• beneficiary
• dependent