lifer

[ lahy-fer ]

noun

, Slang.

1. a person sentenced to or serving a term of life imprisonment.
2. a person committed to a professional lifetime career in the military.
3. a person who has devoted a lifetime to a profession, occupation, or pursuit.
4. (in birding)
   1. Also called life bird. a species of bird not seen previously and that will therefore be added to the bird watcher's life list.
   2. the sighting of a bird of a previously unseen species:

      It seems like forever since I've had a lifer!

lifer

/ ˈlaɪfə /

noun

1. informal.
   a prisoner sentenced to life imprisonment

Word History and Origins

Origin of lifer¹

First recorded in 1820–30; life + -er ¹

Example Sentences

As an Orange County lifer with a somewhat objective vantage point on L.A.,

From Los Angeles Times

But maybe nothing is as frustrating for van lifers, or occupies as big a chunk of their daily bandwidth, as the question of where to find a toilet.

From Los Angeles Times

But neither party leader is a political "lifer".

From BBC

Then you realized that most of the pictures depicted these guys in various humble backstage scenarios: just four lifers getting ready to go to work for their people.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike many of the other Colstrip lifers who share their stories, several of Williams’ kids have left town.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• captive
• convict
• detainee
• hostage