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
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.
Why these 'roo veterans keep going back For those over 21, Pedialyte can be a lifesaver after a long day of sweating, drinking and braving the heat. Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 That’s why a baby monitor can be a lifesaver, but not any old hand-me-down model will do. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 June 2025 The travel-sized version is a lifesaver for those who need an effective yet gentle cleanser on the go. Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025 The meal's a lifesaver for the solo vegan eater without time to prep a meal, and WIRED vegan reviewer Molly Higgins appreciated that the meals mostly relied on the natural flavors of the vegetables themselves, accented with flavors like curry and lemongrass. Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lifesaver

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifesaver was in 1887

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifesaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifesaver. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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
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