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
Bankruptcy can be ‘the only real path out’ The easier bankruptcy process may offer a lifeline to many Americans struggling with education debt.
—
Annie Nova, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025
Its two safe parking sites in Antioch and Pittsburg provided a lifeline to 146 people living in 111 cars, including nine families with 15 children.
—Kate Talerico, Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2025
But while the idea of settling a credit card bill for just a fraction of the amount can sound like a lifeline, the actual process is far more nuanced than many people expect.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
They were promised a lifeline to 'graduate' from poverty.
—Marc Silver, NPR, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
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Annie Nova, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025
Its two safe parking sites in Antioch and Pittsburg provided a lifeline to 146 people living in 111 cars, including nine families with 15 children.
—Kate Talerico, Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2025
But while the idea of settling a credit card bill for just a fraction of the amount can sound like a lifeline, the actual process is far more nuanced than many people expect.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
They were promised a lifeline to 'graduate' from poverty.
—Marc Silver, NPR, 23 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 7 Jan. 2026.
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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