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

At the heart of this challenge is the health care tax credit in the individual marketplace—a financial lifeline for hardworking Americans who live paycheck to paycheck. —David Merritt, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

Call or text the national lifeline at 988. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2025

The money was a lifeline in the short term and devastating over time. —Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025

These benefits are a vital lifeline for many Michigan families, especially with the rising cost of food. —Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 6 Nov. 2025

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