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

In practice, these changes will reduce access to federal graduate‑loan programs, including Grad PLUS—a federal loan lifeline many graduate students rely on to enter fields like nursing and public health. —MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Providers worry that, without finding ways to fill the funding gaps, they may be forced to close housing sites and end rental aid efforts, leaving thousands without a crucial lifeline across California’s staggeringly unaffordable rental markets. —Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2025

Every Saturday, the ministry’s food distribution program is a vital lifeline for thousands of families and seniors, especially during this year’s challenging holiday season. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 27 Nov. 2025

The measure played a crucial role in restarting shoots and rehiring crews — a welcome lifeline, though far from a structural fix. —Caio Delcolli, IndieWire, 26 Nov. 2025

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