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 wildcard that could change everything In a briefing otherwise defined by grim arithmetic, artificial intelligence emerged as the closest thing to a lifeline. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026

Filmed over thirteen years, Crocodile follows their homemade film collective as creativity becomes a lifeline and a bold act of rewriting their futures. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026

The Conti de Savoia is a lifeline for everyone on board351 US citizens and 600 Central European refugees all escaping the escalating war. —Marcy Thompson, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2026

This is the number of community kitchens that have closed over the last six months after providing a lifeline for millions of people, according to Islamic Relief. —ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

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