pensioner

[ pen-shuh-ner ]

noun

1. a person who receives or lives on a pension.
2. a person who works only for pay without regard to the value of the work; a hireling.
3. a student at Cambridge University who pays the cost to dine in the commons and other expenses, and is not supported by any foundation.
4. Obsolete. a gentleman-at-arms.

ˈpensioner

/ ˈpɛnʃənə /

noun

1. a person who is receiving a pension, esp an old-age pension from the state
2. a person dependent on the pay or bounty of another
3. obsolete.
   another name for gentleman-at-arms

Other Words From

• pension·er·ship noun
• non·pension·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pensioner¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; from Anglo-French; pension, + -er ²( def )

Example Sentences

Later in life he took up writing, producing not only a political autobiography but two further books about the "adventures of an old age pensioner".

From BBC

The heartbroken daughter of a pensioner who died on Wednesday, after being punched at the weekend, has described him as a "gentle giant" who was well known in the community.

From BBC

A pensioner who was punched in County Antrim over the weekend has a 1% chance of surviving, a court has heard.

From BBC

The witness told police that Mr Fleming asked her for a cigarette and swore in her face before the pensioner who was out walking intervened.

From BBC

After being arrested, the police officer said the defendant admitted to police that he hit the pensioner, but claimed he was hit first.

From BBC

Related Words

• beneficiary
• dependent