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

Why Platforms Are Winning Now, security platforms provide one-stop convenience with integrated management, a lifesaver for busy teams who can handle everything from a single interface. —Benny Porat, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

These options can be a lifesaver for smaller kitchens. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025

That’s why, for busy weeknights, a shortcut version can be a lifesaver. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Mar. 2025

Useful amenities include underfloor heating, a washer and dryer, and air conditioning (which in the scorching summer months is a lifesaver). —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Mar. 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