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
What To Know Social Security, a lifeline for roughly Americans, currently includes taxes that contribute billions to federal revenue annually.
—
Claire Dickey, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
During the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, desperate New York City restaurants found a financial lifeline by expanding seating outdoors.
—Matthew Haag, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
Its emergency food aid, a major part of its operations, has provided a lifeline in potential famine areas.
—Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Feb. 2025
Even as China has claimed neutrality in the conflict and called for peace, it’s emerged as a key diplomatic and economic lifeline for Russia throughout the war, including by sending it dual-use goods NATO leaders have said are feeding Russia’s defense sector and enabling its military.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 12 Feb. 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.
Claire Dickey, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
During the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, desperate New York City restaurants found a financial lifeline by expanding seating outdoors.
—Matthew Haag, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
Its emergency food aid, a major part of its operations, has provided a lifeline in potential famine areas.
—Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Feb. 2025
Even as China has claimed neutrality in the conflict and called for peace, it’s emerged as a key diplomatic and economic lifeline for Russia throughout the war, including by sending it dual-use goods NATO leaders have said are feeding Russia’s defense sector and enabling its military.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 12 Feb. 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 6 Mar. 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