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

The songs of Boy George, Sylvester, and Prince are lifelines—the homoerotic cover of Prince’s 1988 album, Lovesexy, is an especially powerful beacon. — Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026

Tucked into the corner of an isolated housing estate in Gloucester, England, the Podsmead Big Local is a lifeline. — Kyle Vanelli, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026

McAfee Deals Total Protection Antivirus Software Your laptop is practically your lifeline in college. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026

In fact, the growing trend has served as a lifeline for some independent production companies that have been able to expand their slates with brand content even as TV production declines and feature films remain as challenging as ever to get made. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 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