lifesaver

noun

life·​sav·​er ˈlīf-ˌsā-vər 

1

: one trained to save lives of drowning persons

2

: one that is at once timely and effective in time of distress or need

Examples of lifesaver in a Sentence

a surgical procedure that has been a lifesaver for many people

This multipurpose tool can be a real lifesaver when something needs fixing.

Frozen dinners can be lifesavers for busy parents.

Thanks so much for offering to help. You're a real lifesaver!

Recent Examples on the Web

Kelly Jarvis said paid leave for her husband, who didn’t get any at his job at a grocery store, would have been a lifesaver. —Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2026

Featuring encouraging reminders to sip throughout your trip, this glass water bottle with a leak-proof lid can be a literal lifesaver. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2026

All first responders will run into long, hot days, and having rehydration drinks on hand can be a lifesaver. —Jessica Riley, CBS News, 20 May 2026

Still, very impressive and lifesaver to the spring box office. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifesaver

• aver
• braver
• craver
• favor
• favour
• flavor
• flavour
• graver
• paver
• quaver
• raver
• saver

Kids Definition

lifesaver

noun

life·​sav·​er ˈlīf-ˌsā-vər 

1

: a person trained to save the lives of drowning persons

2

: something that relieves distress when most needed