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
Even amid these challenges, Wightman found ways to hold onto joy — and for her, fashion became a lifeline.
—
Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
For Bruens and Fisher, the tax represents a potential lifeline for some of San Francisco's most vulnerable residents.
—Da Lin, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025
Service in the military — including the various branches of the National Guard — has long been seen not just as a patriotic duty, but as an economic lifeline, particularly in some of the poorer parts of the state.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 6 Dec. 2025
During the first 90 days of pregnancy, the fetus begins forming its organs, and the placenta establishes itself as the lifeline between mother and baby, regulating nutrients, oxygen and metabolic waste.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
For Bruens and Fisher, the tax represents a potential lifeline for some of San Francisco's most vulnerable residents.
—Da Lin, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025
Service in the military — including the various branches of the National Guard — has long been seen not just as a patriotic duty, but as an economic lifeline, particularly in some of the poorer parts of the state.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 6 Dec. 2025
During the first 90 days of pregnancy, the fetus begins forming its organs, and the placenta establishes itself as the lifeline between mother and baby, regulating nutrients, oxygen and metabolic waste.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 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 12 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share