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 Aces were given a lifeline when Fever guard Lexie Hull caught the rebound and was fouled, but missed both free throws.
—
Frank Nunns O'Connell 11 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
What started as a personal lifeline would eventually grow into a mission to make sure other teens who felt like me could find the same tools.
—Jack Korngold, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2025
In Phoenix’s Estrella Village, that work has become a lifeline, with community health workers helping hundreds of families find relief and support.
—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 28 Sep. 2025
When her car, her only lifeline, is stolen and impounded, Ogle is thrust into a relentless legal battle against an indifferent system.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
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Frank Nunns O'Connell 11 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
What started as a personal lifeline would eventually grow into a mission to make sure other teens who felt like me could find the same tools.
—Jack Korngold, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2025
In Phoenix’s Estrella Village, that work has become a lifeline, with community health workers helping hundreds of families find relief and support.
—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 28 Sep. 2025
When her car, her only lifeline, is stolen and impounded, Ogle is thrust into a relentless legal battle against an indifferent system.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 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 30 Sep. 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
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