lifeline

noun life·line \ ˈlīf-ˌlīn \

|Updated on: 4 Aug 2018

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

See lifeline defined for English-language learners

See lifeline defined for kids

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 of lifeline from the Web

That is now changing, and some judges are throwing lifelines to people struggling to repay their debt.

— matt murray, WSJ, "The 10-Point.," 15 June 2018
By throwing lifelines to otherwise drowning economies, Beijing can strengthen existing friendships and build new ones.

— daniel mcdowell, Washington Post, "Beijing is taking on a broader financial role. Here’s why that matters.," 14 June 2018
More than 3,000 diaries as part of a winter survey indicate that radio is a key 'lifeline' during extreme weather.

— justino aguila, Billboard, "Nielsen's Latest Puerto Rico Market Survey Sees Rise in News Radio Stations Post-Hurricane Maria," 14 June 2018
However, Valencia are only after cash considering their financial situation, and while Juventus might not be willing to throw them a lifeline, Atletico Madrid might.

— SI.com, "Valencia Reject Second Bid From Juventus For In-Demand Full Back Joao Cancelo," 13 June 2018
While drugs and therapy can be lifelines, lifestyle changes like these from Alex Korb, Ph.D., author of The Upward Spiral, can significantly help in the treatment of mild or moderate depression.

— meryl davids landau, Good Housekeeping, "3 Women Share the Moment They Knew They Had Depression — And How They Moved Forward," 12 June 2018
Trump’s offer to throw a lifeline to ZTE found a receptive audience in Beijing on Monday, a development that could help him strike deals on thorny issues like trade and North Korea.

— keith bradsher, BostonGlobe.com, "China welcomes Trump’s help on ZTE as trade talks loom," 14 May 2018
President Trump threw a lifeline to ZTE, the Chinese telecom company on the brink of failure after being banned from buying U.S. parts.

— christine harvey, Bloomberg.com, "Everything You Need to Know This Morning From Daybreak (Podcast)," 14 May 2018
Neal missed a pair of free throws to hand the Bobcats a lifeline, then Nottingham connected on another 3-pointer to tie the game at 82-82 with :17 seconds remaining.

— bailey arredondo, star-telegram, "Kevin Hervey nails 3-pointer in final seconds to lift UTA over Texas State | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 2 Mar. 2018

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.

First Known Use of lifeline

1700

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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LIFELINE Defined for English Language Learners

lifeline

noun

Definition of lifeline for English Language Learners

: something which provides help or support that is needed for success or survival
: a rope used for saving the life of someone (such as someone who has fallen into water)