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

This is where an ottoman or a pair of ottomans is a lifesaver. —Heather Bien, The Spruce, 9 Jan. 2026

The spa Offering more acres of cool, white marble, the 24-meter pool area is a lifesaver during cooler months (in May, the outdoor pool was heated but still quite chilly in cloudy weather) with a majestic wall of Calacatata, warm plunge pools, and steam rooms. —Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026

Lyon’s cheap signing from a dry goalie market last summer has been a lifesaver. —Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Having a backup power bank on hand can be a lifesaver on excursions and long-haul flights. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026

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