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
These funds would be a lifeline for many families here who are still grappling with health concerns, economic hardship, and ongoing cleanup efforts.
—
Misti Allison, TIME, 1 Feb. 2025
For some, then, guardianships have offered a lifeline.
—Anna Cooban, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
One possible spoiler to Mr. Netanyahu’s potential political lifeline of returning to fight Hamas in Gaza is President Trump, who is credited with applying massive pressure on the Israeli leader to accept the ceasefire deal worked out under Mr. Biden.
—Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lifeline 
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Misti Allison, TIME, 1 Feb. 2025
For some, then, guardianships have offered a lifeline.
—Anna Cooban, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
One possible spoiler to Mr. Netanyahu’s potential political lifeline of returning to fight Hamas in Gaza is President Trump, who is credited with applying massive pressure on the Israeli leader to accept the ceasefire deal worked out under Mr. Biden.
—Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lifeline
Dictionary Entries Near lifeline
Cite this Entry
“Lifeline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeline. Accessed 21 Feb. 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
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