life preserver

noun

Definition of life preserver

1 : a device (such as a life jacket or life buoy) designed to save a person from drowning by providing buoyancy in water

2 chiefly British : blackjack sense 2

Examples of life preserver in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His life preserver failed to inflate and his bulletproof armor tugged him under water to his death. — Carl Prine, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Back in San Diego, Wingman Foundation aids families of killed crews," 2 May 2018 The county provides life preservers for free at several borrowing stations along the American River. — Claire Morgan And Jordan Cutler-tietjen, sacbee, "Unconscious 14-year-old girl pulled out of American River, officials say," 18 June 2018 What appears to be a life preserver comes to Frank in the form of a song he and Sam have recorded. — Rick Bentley, kansascity, "‘Hearts Beat Loud’ delivers a resounding message of love," 14 June 2018 The Wingman Life Jacket from Hyde Sportswear weighs just 1.6 pounds and has a small CO2 cylinder at the neck to turn the vest into a buoyant life preserver. — Sarah Hauer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "No deal for Milwaukee startup Hyde Sportswear on 'Shark Tank'," 21 Jan. 2018 The kayaker, who was not wearing a life preserver, decided to swim to shore rather than wait for the kayak to be stabilized, reported Fox 8. — Mark Price, charlotteobserver, "Kayak overturned, so NC man decided to swim to shore. He hasn't been seen since.," 11 June 2018 Police did not say whether the boys had been wearing life preservers. — Shane Dixon Kavanaugh, OregonLive.com, "Boys who died rafting Oregon river lived for adventures with Dad," 5 June 2018 In 12 of the deaths, the victims were not wearing life preservers, Parker said. — John D. Simmons, charlotteobserver, "Thirteen people died on NC lakes last year. Here's how to stay safe this summer. | Charlotte Observer," 25 May 2018 Why not toss a fresh, new life preserver to your local school, though, while fixing a few thousand potholes in your neighborhood? — Bryce Miller, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Next step for California in sports betting debate: Cash in," 14 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'life preserver.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.