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
The state has thrown a two-month lifeline to drivers to get used to the loss.
—
Pat Maio, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
Minnesota appeared to have a lifeline with a goal from Momo Dieng in the 68th minute, but the new striker was ruled offside.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Sep. 2025
But Fastvold, the partner and creative collaborator of The Brutalist director Brady Corbet—she co-wrote both that film and Corbet’s previous movie, Vox Lux—also interrogates the idea of spirituality as a lifeline.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
People along the river are gravely worried about the fate of their lifeline, and what would happen if the river quits flowing through its two major dams and quits flowing through faucets.
—Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
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Pat Maio, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
Minnesota appeared to have a lifeline with a goal from Momo Dieng in the 68th minute, but the new striker was ruled offside.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Sep. 2025
But Fastvold, the partner and creative collaborator of The Brutalist director Brady Corbet—she co-wrote both that film and Corbet’s previous movie, Vox Lux—also interrogates the idea of spirituality as a lifeline.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
People along the river are gravely worried about the fate of their lifeline, and what would happen if the river quits flowing through its two major dams and quits flowing through faucets.
—Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 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
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