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
That devastating loss solidified the TV personality’s resolve to use her platform not just as entertainment, but as a lifeline to stand beside fellow survivors and to create tangible resources through her non-profit, the Big Heart Foundation.
—
Essence, 6 Oct. 2025
But gossip has also been a lifeline, fueling resistance, stitching together communities, and rallying support for social justice movements the world over.
—Oriel Feldmanhall, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
And their luck might not change anytime soon, with Beijing ramping up its reliance on South America — inadvertently aided the US Treasury’s financial lifeline provided to Argentina in recent weeks.
—Alayna Treene, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
For them, play is not a simple pastime but a lifeline.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Essence, 6 Oct. 2025
But gossip has also been a lifeline, fueling resistance, stitching together communities, and rallying support for social justice movements the world over.
—Oriel Feldmanhall, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
And their luck might not change anytime soon, with Beijing ramping up its reliance on South America — inadvertently aided the US Treasury’s financial lifeline provided to Argentina in recent weeks.
—Alayna Treene, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
For them, play is not a simple pastime but a lifeline.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 5 Oct. 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 10 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share