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
And for many women, tapping into that passive income could be a real lifeline in a cost-of-living crisis.
—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
3 July 2026
At City Harvest, New York City's largest food rescue organization, the news landed like a lifeline at a critical moment.
—
Lily Brown,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
After more than 600k Black women were forced out the workforce since the start of the current presidential administration, on-the-ground connection could lead to a professional lifeline.
—
Jasmine Browley,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
In that vacuum, an always-available chatbot that sounds calm, attentive, and nonjudgmental can feel less like a novelty than a lifeline.
—
Ryan McBain,
STAT,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
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Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
3 July 2026
At City Harvest, New York City's largest food rescue organization, the news landed like a lifeline at a critical moment.
—
Lily Brown,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
After more than 600k Black women were forced out the workforce since the start of the current presidential administration, on-the-ground connection could lead to a professional lifeline.
—
Jasmine Browley,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
In that vacuum, an always-available chatbot that sounds calm, attentive, and nonjudgmental can feel less like a novelty than a lifeline.
—
Ryan McBain,
STAT,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
Cite this Entry
“Lifeline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeline. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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
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