lifeline

noun

life·​line ˈlīf-ˌlīn 

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

Guaranteed income programs have been popular among liberal Democrats as a way to offer a lifeline to vulnerable people and to help put them on a more stable path. —Emma G. Fitzsimmons, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

Within 24 hours, Trump issued a temporary order restoring access — a lifeline that was due to expire this week. —Esat Dedezade, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025

Attending to our land, ourselves, and each other is a lifeline as ancient and natural as the water, flowing in us as limitlessly as the bloodline of our many resilient mothers. —Akilah Sailers, Essence, 5 Apr. 2025

The failure of the generals What the military desperately needs now is a lifeline and a civil war exit plan. —Tharaphi Than, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifeline

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

Kids 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