lifeline

noun

life·​line ˈlīf-ˌlīn How to pronounce lifeline (audio)
1
: a line (such as a rope) used for saving or preserving life: such as
a
: a line along the outer edge of the deck of a boat or ship
b
: a line used to keep contact with a person (such as a diver or astronaut) in a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation
2
: something regarded as indispensable for the maintaining or protection of life

Examples of lifeline in a Sentence

The river is the town's lifeline. The new jobs were an economic lifeline for a city in need of help. The radio was their lifeline to the outside world. They threw a lifeline to the man overboard.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For Charlotte County, which lost approximately 250 hotel rooms to Hurricane Ian, Sunseeker initially appeared to be a tourism lifeline. — Jackie Snow, Quartz, 15 Mar. 2025 Victim engagement: The sting is complete when, by using Microsoft’s billing emails that contain the organization name and fake support contact numbers, victims are urged to immediately contact what is purporting to be a critical support lifeline. — Davey Winder, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Up until days ago, the ICRC had been the only lifeline for these political prisoners, whose sham trial began two months ago. — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 But Valley Link has the potential to be a lifeline to those transit agencies that are struggling to regain riders post pandemic. — Jerry McNerney, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lifeline

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifeline was in 1700

Rhymes for lifeline

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Lifeline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeline. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

lifeline

noun
life·​line ˈlī-ˌflīn How to pronounce lifeline (audio)
1
: a line persons may hang on to for safety or rescue
2
: something providing help or support that is needed for success or survival

More from Merriam-Webster on lifeline

Nglish: Translation of lifeline for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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