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

Call or text the national lifeline at 988. —Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026

The last remaining processor, with plants in Lodi and Oroville, has offered one-year contracts to buy fruit from some of the orchards tied to canceled Del Monte contracts, granting a lifeline of sorts to some of the out-of-luck farmers. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 26 Feb. 2026

The nonprofit provides support to the Jewish community, and leaders reflected on the lifeline that assistance has meant to Odesa on the somber fourth anniversary of the conflict. —Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026

New York Medicaid — among the most expansive in the nation — remains a lifeline for millions. —Stuart Appelbaum, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifeline

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

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