lifeline

noun

life·​line ˈlīf-ˌlīn 

1

: a line (such as a rope) used for saving or preserving life: such as

a

: a line along the outer edge of the deck of a boat or ship

b

: a line used to keep contact with a person (such as a diver or astronaut) in a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation

2

: something regarded as indispensable for the maintaining or protection of life

Examples of lifeline in a Sentence

The river is the town's lifeline.

The new jobs were an economic lifeline for a city in need of help.

The radio was their lifeline to the outside world.

They threw a lifeline to the man overboard.

Recent Examples on the Web

But some ratepayers have called to reexamine the utility’s rate structure — saying that air conditioning is a lifeline, not a luxury, as temperatures continue to rise. — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

China has tacitly accepted North Korea’s nuclear status, reopened its border with Pyongyang and continued to serve as its economic lifeline. — Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

The airwaves resounded then with tales of Dreamers, brought to this country as children, whose families viewed US citizenship as a lifeline out of poverty, crime, and war. — Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026

For Syms—and other notable artists including Lucy Raven, Jordan Strafer, and Stephanie Comilang—the Vega Foundation has become a lifeline. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifeline

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline

Kids Definition

lifeline

noun

life·​line ˈlī-ˌflīn 

1

: a line persons may hang on to for safety or rescue

2

: something providing help or support that is needed for success or survival