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.
San Diego lifeguards are similarly prepared, according to Lt. John Maher, who said every station will be fully staffed or even double staffed for the Fourth of July. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025 Chicago’s public pools to open daily this summer for first time since COVID-19 pandemic Chicago’s outdoor public pools will be open daily this summer, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic led to a lingering lifeguard shortage. Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025 The falls are shallow and safe for splashing, though there’s no lifeguard. Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2025 Any debris initially recovered by lifeguards has been turned over to Coast Guard officials, the fire department said. CBS News, 9 June 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 1 Jul. 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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