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

Haiti’s garment sector says the program, which employs thousands of workers in Port-au-Prince and northern Haiti, has been a lifeline for the country and has been pushing for a multiyear program. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026

But Hilgart said if lawmakers don't throw counties a lifeline this year, there could be costly consequences. —Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026

In the first week of the war, Iran said a US-Israeli strike hit a desalination plant on the island - a vital lifeline in an already water-scarce region. —Adam Pourahmadi, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026

For the caregivers and families, the tours are a lifeline. —ABC News, 21 Apr. 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