Indentured servant, in the American Colonies, was someone who worked without wages for a period of time in exchange for passage to America. The term most commonly refers to Europeans who signed a contract to work a term of years, usually four to seven, in return for payment of their voyage, food, clothing, and shelter. The contract was called an indenture. Most indentured servants were young men between the ages of 15 and 25 looking for jobs and a better life. Some debtors and convicts were also sent to the colonies as indentured servants.