lifesaver

noun

life·​sav·​er ˈlīf-ˌsā-vər How to pronounce lifesaver (audio)
1
: one trained to save lives of drowning persons
2
: one that is at once timely and effective in time of distress or need

Examples of lifesaver in a Sentence

a surgical procedure that has been a lifesaver for many people This multipurpose tool can be a real lifesaver when something needs fixing. Frozen dinners can be lifesavers for busy parents. Thanks so much for offering to help. You're a real lifesaver!
Recent Examples on the Web Infinity travel neck pillow (Amazon ) Travel pillows are a lifesaver on long flights. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 22 May 2024 In Annapolis, the Maryland General Assembly has some fine opportunities to join the lineup of lifesavers for this coming season. Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lifesaver 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lifesaver.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifesaver was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near lifesaver

Cite this Entry

“Lifesaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifesaver. Accessed 2 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

lifesaver

noun
life·​sav·​er ˈlīf-ˌsā-vər How to pronounce lifesaver (audio)
1
: a person trained to save the lives of drowning persons
2
: something that relieves distress when most needed

More from Merriam-Webster on lifesaver

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!