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

Yet Bahnsen’s savvy approach to collaborations has helped to boost her financial lifeline. —Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025

Now the data analytics firm is partnering with those companies—offering them a lifeline while consolidating its own power. —Makena Kelly, Wired News, 1 Aug. 2025

Short-Term Thinking, Long-Term Harm Cutting this lifeline now, when economic inequality is rising and climate shocks are intensifying, is both shortsighted and dangerous. —Trickleup, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

But in a way, his fitness issues threw Barcelona’s finances a lifeline. —Pol Ballús, New York Times, 29 July 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