lifesaving

1 of 2

adjective

life·​sav·​ing ˈlīf-ˌsā-viŋ 

: designed for or used in saving lives

lifesaving drugs

lifesaving

2 of 2

noun

: the skill or practice of saving or protecting the lives especially of drowning persons

Examples of lifesaving in a Sentence

Noun

All lifeguards are trained in lifesaving.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Patients and health care advocates said the abrupt decision to halt U.S. funding for a lifesaving HIV program in Africa led to widespread confusion and worry that the virus would spread further. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025

Regarding money management, few things are more lifesaving than an emergency fund. —Nia Bowers, Detroit Free Press, 28 Nov. 2024

Noun

These somewhat plain spheres look as ho-hum as a town water tower, but tucked inside each is one of modern meteorology’s most revolutionary and lifesaving tools: Doppler radar. —Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 30 May 2025

When all motorcyclists are required to wear helmets, mandated by universal motorcycle helmet laws, the lifesaving impact is profound. —Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lifesaving

• autoclaving
• misbehaving
• behaving
• engraving
• enslaving
• repaving
• braving
• caving
• craving
• graving
• laving
• paving

Kids Definition

lifesaving

1 of 2 adjective

life·​sav·​ing ˈlīf-ˌsā-viŋ 

: designed for or used in saving lives

livesaving devices

lifesaving

2 of 2 noun

: the methods that can be used to save lives especially of drowning persons

Medical Definition

lifesaving

1 of 2 adjective

life·​sav·​ing ˈlīf-ˌsā-viŋ 

: designed for or used in saving lives

lifesaving drugs

lifesaving

2 of 2 noun

: the skill or practice of saving or protecting the lives especially of drowning persons