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
For some retailers, private equity has been a death sentence rather than a lifeline.
—
Chris Westfall, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Once more unto the breach arrives Donald Trump, back in office with more help from the Kremlin—and the inept Democrats—ready to throw his old pal Putin a lifeline.
—Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
The more the extreme weather caused the now-powerless vessel to drift, the tighter and more constricting this literal lifeline became.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025
The grants could be a lifeline for Black churches struggling with dwindling congregations, a lack of resources and aging infrastructures, said Jason Williams, professor of Justice Studies at Montclair State University in New Jersey.
—Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
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.
Chris Westfall, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Once more unto the breach arrives Donald Trump, back in office with more help from the Kremlin—and the inept Democrats—ready to throw his old pal Putin a lifeline.
—Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
The more the extreme weather caused the now-powerless vessel to drift, the tighter and more constricting this literal lifeline became.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025
The grants could be a lifeline for Black churches struggling with dwindling congregations, a lack of resources and aging infrastructures, said Jason Williams, professor of Justice Studies at Montclair State University in New Jersey.
—Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
Cite this Entry
“Lifeline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeline. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lifeline
noun
life·line
ˈlī-ˌflīn 
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share