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

Each Saturday, volunteers ensured 440 families received boxes containing up to 5 days of nutrition, providing both an immediate lifeline and a foundation for long-term wellness in a community where food insecurity affects over 60% of households. —Silvia Solis, AZCentral.com, 23 Nov. 2025

But despite relative scarcity, traditional carpet weaving endures in the village as a lifeline in more ways than one. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 23 Nov. 2025

Teammate Isaiah Hardge snapped it up to give the hosts a lifeline. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 23 Nov. 2025

Peckinpaugh says the change came after most of the federal money used to fund the original lifeline plan ran out. —Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifeline

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

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