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

Now 21% off, the Bissell Little Green Mini is a lifesaver for people with small spaces who are constantly staining upholstery and carpets. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

Freezer Items Speaking of having quick and easy meal prep items on hand, frozen veggies, ravioli, gnocchi, and frozen meats or seafood can be lifesavers. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025

Since formation, more than 715,000 people have been rescued by its surf lifesavers. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 26 Nov. 2025

These tupperware-style dog bowls from Gunner are a lifesaver on the road. —Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 26 Nov. 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