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
In those years, her father provided a lifeline, however distant.
—
Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
The company will perform for three weeks each winter for five years in exchange for a financial lifeline, tentatively agreed to be distributed over the next eight years, The New York Times reported.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Beijing's large-scale oil purchases have aided Russia through the Western sanctions over the Ukraine war, offering a vital economic lifeline.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
The feature, designed to steady shaky footage, became a lifeline for people with Parkinson’s.
—Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
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Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
The company will perform for three weeks each winter for five years in exchange for a financial lifeline, tentatively agreed to be distributed over the next eight years, The New York Times reported.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Beijing's large-scale oil purchases have aided Russia through the Western sanctions over the Ukraine war, offering a vital economic lifeline.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
The feature, designed to steady shaky footage, became a lifeline for people with Parkinson’s.
—Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 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 11 Sep. 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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