life sentence

noun

plural life sentences
: a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convicted person's life when there is no possibility of parole or for a minimum number of years under applicable law until the convicted person becomes eligible for and is granted parole

Examples of life sentence 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.
Two men who supplied the bomb were given life sentences in 2025. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 July 2026 Yang is serving a double life sentence for the shooting death of Rhoni Reuter and her unborn child in 2007. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 29 June 2026 If convicted on the most serious charges related to weapons of mass destruction and an act of terrorism, Cole faces a possible life sentence. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2026 Bob was convicted on 51 counts, including murder and conspiracy to commit arson, and was sentenced to two life sentences without parole, as well as 70 years. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for life sentence

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of life sentence was in 1817

Rhymes for life sentence

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Browse Nearby Words

life scout
life sentence
life-size
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Cite this Entry

“Life sentence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20sentence. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

life sentence

see also:
sentence
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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