lifeline

noun

life·line ˈlīf-ˌlīn

: a line (such as a rope) used for saving or preserving life: such as

: a line along the outer edge of the deck of a boat or ship

: a line used to keep contact with a person (such as a diver or astronaut) in a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation

: 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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

In the daily scramble to get dinner on the table, ready-to-eat food is a lifeline. —

Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024 This access to cheaper capital can be a lifeline, especially for small businesses in highly competitive markets or those looking to recover from recent economic challenges. —

Nandan Sheth, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available. —

Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2024 The money has been a crucial lifeline as the family waits for more government aid to come through. —

J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lifeline