lifeguard

noun

life·​guard ˈlīf-ˌgärd How to pronounce lifeguard (audio)
: a usually expert swimmer employed (as at a beach or a pool) to safeguard other swimmers
lifeguard intransitive verb

Examples of lifeguard 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.
McQuarrie said the young woman didn’t tell anyone about the apparent lifeguard interaction until weeks after the drowning, and the attorney said her claim was inconsistent with city lifeguard training and other eyewitness accounts. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 For over 15 years, the fair has proven to be a successful recruiting tool for the district to fill seasonal positions that include parks and ground maintenance, camp counselors, lifeguards and slide attendants, guest service attendants at facilities and more, district officials said. David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025 Officials also want visitors to swim near a lifeguard, avoid leaving items unattended and be prepared for lots of traffic. Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025 Austin is hiring lifeguards for the summer swim season. Nicole Cobler, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lifeguard

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifeguard was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Lifeguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeguard. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

lifeguard

noun
life·​guard ˈlīf-ˌgärd How to pronounce lifeguard (audio)
: a usually expert swimmer employed at a beach or swimming pool to protect swimmers from drowning

More from Merriam-Webster on lifeguard

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