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 five-year deal created the California Civic Media Program, a first-of-its-kind partnership that state leaders billed as a lifeline for local journalism amid a historic collapse of the industry.
—
Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
Seeking care from a body-positive therapist can be a lifeline during this time of transition.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 28 Jan. 2026
Continue reading … RED PIPELINE – US ally Mexico becomes Cuba's economic lifeline after Maduro's fall.
—FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Khames Alrefi/Anadolu via Getty Images Palestinians see the crossing, which has been largely shut since May 2024, as a lifeline to the outside world.
—CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
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Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
Seeking care from a body-positive therapist can be a lifeline during this time of transition.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 28 Jan. 2026
Continue reading … RED PIPELINE – US ally Mexico becomes Cuba's economic lifeline after Maduro's fall.
—FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Khames Alrefi/Anadolu via Getty Images Palestinians see the crossing, which has been largely shut since May 2024, as a lifeline to the outside world.
—CBS News, 27 Jan. 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 4 Feb. 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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