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
TikTok creators are scrambling for a lifeline as the platform’s January 19 divest-or-ban date looms closer.
—
Brooke Erin Duffy, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
With an average of over $350 per month per household, SNAP is considered by many to be a vital lifeline for many Americans.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2025
The fall season traditionally is a lifeline for many Asheville-area service industry workers, said Megan Rogers of the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lifeline 
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Brooke Erin Duffy, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
With an average of over $350 per month per household, SNAP is considered by many to be a vital lifeline for many Americans.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2025
The fall season traditionally is a lifeline for many Asheville-area service industry workers, said Megan Rogers of the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 6 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 Jan. 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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