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.
The future of small business growth relies on using non-dilutive funding not as a permanent lifeline, but as a temporary bridge to genuine market independence. — Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Affleck and Ding first used the Ask-the-Host lifeline to pick the brain of host Jimmy Kimmel. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026 Affleck and Ding then used another lifeline to phone a friend, which was Ding’s longtime trivia partner Stephen Morrison. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 July 2026 Choosing between Peanut Butter & Jelly, Tater & Tot, Mac & Cheese, and Spaghetti & Meatball, the duo called on host Jimmy Kimmel as their lifeline. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026 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

See All Rhymes for lifeline

Browse Nearby Words

lifelikeness
lifeline
life list
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifeline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeline. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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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

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