lifeline

noun life·line \ ˈlīf-ˌlīn \

|Updated on: 9 Jun 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

Those connections are a lifeline for people like Wallis, who live in the most conservative parts of the state, where Trump/Pence campaign signs still adorn lawns.

— Washington Post, "Resisting Trump in a bright red state," 26 May 2018
Yet from the Palestinian and Arab point of view, this vast Jewish apparatus supporting Israel is a cultural, political, and economic lifeline to a state that’s vicious oppressing their people.

— zack beauchamp, Vox, "I’m an American Jew who abhors Israel’s violence. I still can’t boycott Israel.," 15 May 2018
But advocates said the programs administered by Vera and a network of 18 other nonprofits are a legal lifeline for undocumented immigrants.

— maria sacchetti, chicagotribune.com, "Justice Department to halt legal program for detained immigrants," 11 Apr. 2018
One extra day in a war zone For many of these Yemenis, these jobs are lifelines for hundreds back home.

— taylor luck, The Christian Science Monitor, "For Yemenis, Arab world's refugees-come-lately, Jordan offers little relief," 29 Mar. 2018
The resource has been a lifeline for dozens of female employees and has prompted men to think about the matter, says Gislaine Sandim, a specialist in Magazine Luiza’s integrity area.

— Bloomberg.com, "Trump Orders Commerce Department to Consider Probe on Auto Imports," 8 Mar. 2018
If approved, the disaster relief package would be the third — and largest — funding lifeline for communities hit by natural disasters since last summer.

— ledyard king, USA TODAY, "Long-sought disaster aid to help wildfire, hurricane victims part of bipartisan budget deal," 7 Feb. 2018
Efforts to aid him with lifeboats, three of which were ineffectually trying to breast the heavy sea, were unavailing, while a lifeline, held by a number of rescuers, was carried far out into the surf by a number of swimmers.

— sandiegouniontribune.com, "May 6, 1918: 13 drown at Ocean Beach," 6 May 2018
For many New Englanders, Santos was the lifeline to a young team fighting for respect and attention in the late sixties during the AFL days.

— peter king, SI.com, "Monday Morning Mock Draft: Darts, Deals & Wild Guesses," 23 Apr. 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

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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)