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
Bankrupt 23andMe will live on The pioneering genetic testing firm 23andMe is getting a lifeline − and its customers may be getting some peace of mind.
—
Usa Today, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Community kitchens have been a lifeline, but some 80% of them have now shut down due to lack of supplies from the 11-week blockade, Mr. Alsaqqa says.
—Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 23 May 2025
Moving away from fossil fuels is not just a climate imperative, but is an essential lifeline for millions of species, including our own.
—Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
For Gorazde, however, the United States, with its hunger for guns, had been a lifeline.
—Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Usa Today, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Community kitchens have been a lifeline, but some 80% of them have now shut down due to lack of supplies from the 11-week blockade, Mr. Alsaqqa says.
—Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 23 May 2025
Moving away from fossil fuels is not just a climate imperative, but is an essential lifeline for millions of species, including our own.
—Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
For Gorazde, however, the United States, with its hunger for guns, had been a lifeline.
—Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
Cite this Entry
“Lifeline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeline. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share