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

But that wasn’t the end of the line for Ladden, who earned a lifeline when Clarkson used her steal. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026

This north-central Alabama city was born in 1871, springing up after the Civil War as the South sought to rebuild a leveled economy with an industrial lifeline. — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Until those pharmacies open, projects like Mendoza’s provide a lifeline. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Celebrity comedian Sebastian Maniscalco has responded to this week’s uproar in the comedy community over his takeover of a SiriusXM channel that for years supported up-and-coming stand-ups while providing them a minor lifeline in royalty checks. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 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