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
Others, though, hailed the purchase as a lifeline for U.S. Steel, which posted more than $200 million in losses in the last two quarters.
—
Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025
That crisis gave rise to private marketplaces, which emerged as a lifeline when the state-run ration system collapsed.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
Born out of the pandemic as a lifeline for local businesses who could move customers outside, the Promenade on Forest has become a town gathering and shopping spot with temporary chairs, tables and a few structures surrounded by restaurants, boutiques, art shops and specialty stores.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 18 June 2025
For many women, particularly those in perimenopause and menopause, these drugs are a lifeline—not a luxury.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
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Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025
That crisis gave rise to private marketplaces, which emerged as a lifeline when the state-run ration system collapsed.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
Born out of the pandemic as a lifeline for local businesses who could move customers outside, the Promenade on Forest has become a town gathering and shopping spot with temporary chairs, tables and a few structures surrounded by restaurants, boutiques, art shops and specialty stores.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 18 June 2025
For many women, particularly those in perimenopause and menopause, these drugs are a lifeline—not a luxury.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 17 June 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 Jun. 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
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