lifer

noun

lif·​er ˈlī-fər How to pronounce lifer (audio)
Synonyms of lifernext
1
: a person sentenced to imprisonment for life
2
: a person who makes a career of one of the armed forces
3
: a person who has made a lifelong commitment (as to a way of life)

Examples of lifer in a Sentence

He was a lifer at the factory.
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.
Sutton, the two-time Pro Bowler and Broncos lifer, has now not practiced for three straight days of training camp. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2026 An attorney and a Jackson County lifer, Stacy Lake earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 That's not to say everything's going to be precisely to every van lifer's taste. — New Atlas, 29 July 2026 All the Louisiana lifers create a richer, deeper culture with their own food (gumbo and beignets), music (New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz) and festivals (Mardi Gras). — Matt Baker, New York Times, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lifer

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifer was in 1827

Rhymes for lifer

See All Rhymes for lifer

Browse Nearby Words

life preserver
lifer
life raft
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifer. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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