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

Unfortunately, opponents of MSOs are threatening to cut off this lifeline. — Will Hausberg, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

Cut off from its Venezuelan lifeline and without electricity for all but a few hours a day, the economic hardships and human suffering in Cuba have dramatically worsened in recent months. — Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2026

After eight months of striking the region’s economic lifelines to turn American voters against the war, Tehran has hailed the Republican loss as a public verdict on it. — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2026

But Paxton, who has been dogged by scandals and trailed in polls, has gotten a lifeline from Elon Musk, who lives in Texas and has several businesses headquartered there. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 3 Nov. 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