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

You see, much like LiFER Shop’s Butterfly Dress, a Libra is here to dance in a twirly skirt dreamt in a smorgasbord of colors, paying homage to that ever-elusive, always-dazzling creature of the sky, fluttering by and gracing space with an iridescent sheen.

From Los Angeles Times

There is still some life left in this baseball lifer, who said he plans to return to the Cape — land of lobster rolls, ice cream parlors, miniature golf and some of the country’s most idyllic baseball settings — next season.

From Los Angeles Times

Rambis, of course, would relent, join the Lakers and change his entire life by becoming a beloved member of Showtime and a NBA lifer.

From Los Angeles Times

But neither party leader is a political "lifer".

From BBC

Related Words

• captive
• convict
• detainee
• hostage