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Definition of lifer

lifer

/ˈlaɪ.fər/
lif · er
Plural:lifers
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lifer Lexical Profile

lifer Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A prisoner who has been sentenced to imprisonment for life (informal).

Example

"The documentary interviewed several lifers who had spent more than thirty years behind bars."

2

A person who commits to a single organization, profession, or way of life—especially the armed forces—for their entire working career (informal).

Example

"Unlike the younger recruits who left after four years, the sergeant was a dedicated military lifer."

3

A bird species observed in the wild by a birdwatcher for the first time in their life, recorded on a personal life list.

Example

"Spotting the rare painted bunting on the coastal marsh was a thrilling lifer for the visiting ornithologist."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for lifer

• Nearby Words

lifelikeness
lifeline
lifelong
lifer
liferaft
lifesaver
lifesaving

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 19th century as British slang for a convict sentenced to penal transportation or imprisonment for life, formed from 'life' plus the agent suffix '-er'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Lifer. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/lifer
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