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 Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, founder and CEO of the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation think tank, said those are actually lifelines for the Iranian people, not the regime. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

For some of these firms, the funding will provide a key lifeline. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

The original master plan envisioned millions of square feet of luxury high-rises, retail space, corporate offices and a massive global headquarters for Under Armour, promising an economic lifeline for Baltimore directly off Interstate 95. — Ross Marchand, Baltimore Sun, 27 Aug. 2026

Nepal’s steep valleys are economic lifelines and travel corridors but precarious ones when disaster strikes. — Niranjan Shrestha, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 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