lifeline

noun

life·​line ˈlīf-ˌlīn 

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

Festival organizers believe that a wide array of performing arts created by transgender artists can be a lifeline. —Candace Hansen, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026

By contrast, the second designation, which is administered by the Treasury Department, is rooted in financial warfare that targets the economic lifelines of organizations and individuals. —James Laporta, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026

Much has been made of the closing of the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war, given that the passage is a major lifeline for the global economy. —Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 31 Mar. 2026

Send in the Troops Trump could send in ground forces to seize energy facilities in a bid to sever Tehran’s economic lifeline, forcing the regime to sue for peace. —Nancy A. Youssef, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifeline

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

Kids 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