lifeline

noun

Save Word

life·line | \ ˈlīf-ˌlīn

Definition of lifeline

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 With the memory-laden and stress-filled anniversary approaching on Thursday, lawmakers say the Gallery Group is proving to be their lifeline. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2022 No matter the security system, perhaps the most important factor is the call center — your emergency lifeline. — Washington Post, 14 Dec. 2021 Nassib's cleats featured the Trevor Project's name printed in bright orange and the number to its suicide prevention lifeline: 1-866-488-7386. — NBC News, 13 Dec. 2021 As for the gold, new — and unlikely — recruit Alicia Sierra (Najwa Nimri) is tasked with tracking down their lifeline. — Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 4 Dec. 2021 Her friendship with the man who received Emily’s heart has become her sole lifeline with humanity. — Oline H. Cogdill, sun-sentinel.com, 25 Oct. 2021 If users are Facebook’s lifeblood, then advertisers are its lifeline. — Forrester, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2021 All this may seem a minor inconvenience — but for some bands, merch is their lifeline. — David Browne, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2021 His taprooms closed temporarily, and sales around the state were their lifeline. — Kristine M. Kierzek, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 13 Sep. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lifeline.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.