lifeboat

noun

life·​boat ˈlīf-ˌbōt How to pronounce lifeboat (audio)
: a sturdy buoyant boat (such as one carried by a ship) for use in an emergency and especially in saving lives at sea

Examples of lifeboat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In 1915, La Follette pushed through the Seaman’s Act, which required ships to carry enough lifeboats for all passengers and crew. Time, 16 July 2025 This includes inspecting lifeboats, overhauling fire systems, servicing engines, and checking the hull for wear and tear. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 The collision damaged Nantes’ lifeboats, which meant the crew were unable to escape. Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 6 June 2025 Irish author Shane Leslie, a passenger on the Oceanic, recalled the discovery of the lifeboat, which was first spotted roughly two miles off the liner’s starboard bow. Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lifeboat

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifeboat was in 1797

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Cite this Entry

“Lifeboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeboat. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

lifeboat

noun
life·​boat -ˌbōt How to pronounce lifeboat (audio)
: a sturdy boat (as one carried by a ship) for use in an emergency and especially for saving lives at sea
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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