lifeguard

noun

life·​guard ˈlīf-ˌgärd How to pronounce lifeguard (audio)
: a usually expert swimmer employed (as at a beach or a pool) to safeguard other swimmers
lifeguard intransitive verb

Examples of lifeguard in a Sentence

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.
Many swimmers who get in trouble tire themselves out trying to get back to the beach, lifeguards say. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 This is because of the possibility of dangerous currents, and since there's no lifeguard, swimmers do so at their own risk. — Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026 Families lugging half the garage will have an easier time at Moonlight in Encinitas, which has free parking, a playground, rentals, a snack shack and lifeguards. — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Other concessions include adding mobility mats, which boost beach access for people in wheelchairs or who face other challenges, at several lifeguard stations. — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lifeguard

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifeguard was in 1893

Rhymes for lifeguard

See All Rhymes for lifeguard

Browse Nearby Words

life goes on
lifeguard
Life Guardsman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifeguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeguard. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lifeguard

noun
life·​guard ˈlīf-ˌgärd How to pronounce lifeguard (audio)
: a usually expert swimmer employed at a beach or swimming pool to protect swimmers from drowning

More from Merriam-Webster on lifeguard

Nglish: Translation of lifeguard for Spanish Speakers

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