lifesaver

noun

life·​sav·​er ˈlīf-ˌsā-vər 

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

Sunscreen’s skin protection is a literal lifesaver for humans, but the same can’t be said for its effects on coral. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025

To be clear: For some people, opioids can be a lifesaver. —Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025

The padded laptop sleeve is a lifesaver, and the multiple zippered compartments make finding things easy. —Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2025

For us, a HEPA air filter in the main living areas is a lifesaver when opening windows isn’t practical. —Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifesaver

• ritonavir
• aver
• braver
• craver
• favor
• favour
• flavor
• flavour
• graver
• paver
• quaver
• raver

Kids Definition

lifesaver

noun

life·​sav·​er ˈlīf-ˌsā-vər 

1

: a person trained to save the lives of drowning persons

2

: something that relieves distress when most needed