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
Since their creation in 2003, HSAs have become a lifeline for nearly 40 million account holders.
—
Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 11 July 2025
More than a scenic backdrop, the ocean is the island’s lifeline.
—Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
But the 33-acre graveyard — listed on the National Register of Historic Places — has been thrown a $150,000 state grant lifeline to tackle some of the most pressing maintenance.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
However, that lifeline is likely temporary: A recent Supreme Court ruling that limited nationwide injunctions could affect the outcome of the Job Corps case and, in turn, the program’s operations.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
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Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 11 July 2025
More than a scenic backdrop, the ocean is the island’s lifeline.
—Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
But the 33-acre graveyard — listed on the National Register of Historic Places — has been thrown a $150,000 state grant lifeline to tackle some of the most pressing maintenance.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
However, that lifeline is likely temporary: A recent Supreme Court ruling that limited nationwide injunctions could affect the outcome of the Job Corps case and, in turn, the program’s operations.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
Cite this Entry
“Lifeline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeline. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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