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

Influencers have also been popping up on my social media to tell me what a lifesaver the waterproof carriers are! —Melissa Willets, Parents, 20 June 2026

The wrinkle-resistant fabric is a lifesaver when living out of a suitcase. —Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026

The separate bottom-zipper section is an absolute lifesaver if you — like me — are accustomed to bringing along multiple pairs of shoes or want a place to stash wet swimwear or heavy toiletries. —Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026

This 10-pack of plastic melon cradles was a lifesaver last year once my pumpkins started maturing late July. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifesaver

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

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