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

China provides Tehran with an economic lifeline as the biggest buyer of Iranian oil. — Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026

Cave In represented both a potential escape velocity for the band and a possible lifeline for Hydra Head itself. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026

In his bid to dramatically tighten transatlantic ties, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is seeking an economic lifeline for his country. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Sep. 2026

That message has buttressed DeSantis’ advocacy for drastically slashing property taxes, a critical financial lifeline for Florida cities and counties. — Zoe Millán, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifeline

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline

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