life peer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, political, British institutional
Quick answer
What does “life peer” mean?
A peer appointed to the House of Lords (the upper house of the UK Parliament) whose title cannot be inherited.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A peer appointed to the House of Lords (the upper house of the UK Parliament) whose title cannot be inherited; the honour is held for their lifetime only.
A person who has been elevated to the peerage with the rank of baron or baroness for their lifetime as a recognition of service or achievement, granting them a seat in the House of Lords but not creating a hereditary title for their descendants.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively British, referring to a feature of the UK Parliament. In American English, the concept does not exist and the term would only be used in discussions of British politics.
Connotations
In British English, it connotes honour, public service, and political appointment. It lacks connotations in American English.
Frequency
Frequent in UK news, political, and historical contexts. Virtually non-existent in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “life peer” in a Sentence
[Person] was created/appointed a life peer.The life peer [verb e.g., spoke, voted, retired].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “life peer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was life-peered in 2010 for her services to education.
- He is expected to be life-peered in the next honours list.
American English
- (Not used)
adverb
British English
- (Not used)
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- The life-peer system reformed the House of Lords.
- She holds a life-peerage.
American English
- (Not used)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in news about a business leader receiving the honour.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and legal texts discussing the UK constitution.
Everyday
Uncommon. Heard in UK news reports.
Technical
Specific to UK constitutional law and parliamentary procedure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “life peer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “life peer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “life peer”
- Using 'life peer' to refer to any member of the House of Lords (some are hereditary).
- Capitalising incorrectly ('Life Peer' is often capitalised in official contexts but not always required).
- Assuming the title can be passed on.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, that is the defining feature. The title ends with the holder's death.
A male life peer is styled 'Baron [Surname]', a female 'Baroness [Surname]'.
Yes, they must be citizens of the United Kingdom, a Commonwealth country, or the Republic of Ireland.
They are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister (or other political leaders for crossbench peers).
A peer appointed to the House of Lords (the upper house of the UK Parliament) whose title cannot be inherited.
Life peer: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlaɪf ˈpɪə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlaɪf ˈpɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take a seat on the red benches (informal reference to joining the House of Lords)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A LIFE peer has the honour for their LIFEtime, not for their family line.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL APPOINTMENT IS A GIFT (bestowed, conferred).
Practice
Quiz
What distinguishes a life peer from a hereditary peer?