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

Eoghan O’Connell’s handball inside the penalty area meant league leaders Notts County had a lifeline. —Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026

Hemp ban renews debate over cannabis legalization Some Wisconsinites say hemp is a lifeline. —Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 19 Feb. 2026

That tenuous lifeline is at risk though as anti-Castro Cuban-American politicians have called for a total cut-off of assistance from the US. —Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026

Now, some state lawmakers are looking to give diners a lifeline to help keep the lights on. —Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026

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