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
For Aguilar, that support is a lifeline.
—
Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
The deal, struck early today, provides a crucial lifeline to the country, which was rapidly running out of money.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
The reclassification is viewed by many analysts as a financial lifeline for the cannabis industry.
—Luke Fountain,brandon Gomez, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025
According to the December edition of the Small Business Checkpoint from the Bank of America Institute, rising costs associated with tariffs and inflation are forcing Main Street merchants to raise prices at historic rates, even as the holiday shopping season offers a critical lifeline.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
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Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
The deal, struck early today, provides a crucial lifeline to the country, which was rapidly running out of money.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
The reclassification is viewed by many analysts as a financial lifeline for the cannabis industry.
—Luke Fountain,brandon Gomez, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025
According to the December edition of the Small Business Checkpoint from the Bank of America Institute, rising costs associated with tariffs and inflation are forcing Main Street merchants to raise prices at historic rates, even as the holiday shopping season offers a critical lifeline.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Dec. 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 28 Dec. 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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