pensioner

noun

pen·​sion·​er ˈpen(t)-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce pensioner (audio)
1
: a person who receives or lives on a pension
2
obsolete
a
: one of a military corps of 40 gentlemen who attend the British sovereign on state occasions
b
: retainer
c
: mercenary, hireling

Examples of pensioner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That leaves the public forced to buy food from places that sell in foreign currency, which many pensioners simply don’t have. — Sarah Moreno updated April 29, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026 The processing plant provides part-time employment for many islanders, most of them pensioners who tail and pack lobsters. — NPR, 4 Apr. 2026 Jelincic said that both pensioners and board members deserve to know more about private equity investments. — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026 Here, pensioners bake and serve family recipes as part of a social enterprise addressing old-age poverty and isolation. — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pensioner

Word History

Etymology

pension entry 1 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pensioner was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

pensionary
pensioner
pension fund
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pensioner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pensioner. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pensioner

noun
pen·​sion·​er ˈpench-(ə-)nər How to pronounce pensioner (audio)
: a person who receives or lives on a pension
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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