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

When her mother’s former gallerist reaches out with the offer of a show in exchange for the series’ completion, Indigo sees it as a financial lifeline—and in the face of her mother’s staunch refusal, decides to finish the series herself. —Literary Hub, 2 June 2026

But when it was founded, Thomas Drugs was a lifeline in this then-rural community (the doctor made house calls by horse and buggy). —Margaret Littman, Southern Living, 2 June 2026

More than a party—A community lifeline Summer Solstice has always been about more than great food and good times. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026

This beginner-friendly Tweezerman rescue kit, with tools like the Mini Cuticle Nipper to snip hangnails, helps extend my nail art's lifeline, which is especially important when breakage looms while traveling. —Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 June 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