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

The satin material helps reduce breakage and frizz, and it’s been a lifesaver while managing hair loss. —Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 15 Apr. 2025

The wrinkle-resistant fabric is a lifesaver when living out of a suitcase. —Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025

For many families, stimulant medication has been, and will continue to be, a lifesaver. —Adam B. Kushner, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025

West Virginia sent over 6 million tons, which is a lifesaver for a coal-producing state. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifesaver

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

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