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

This extreme remoteness makes air travel both a convenience and a lifeline for tourism, trade, healthcare and family connections. —Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

City, state and federal assistance and rent-subsidy programs are lifelines for tenants. —Alva Badillo, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025

The Nasser Medical Complex, located in central Khan Younis in southern Gaza, was once a lifeline for the southern region of the strip. —Diaa Ostaz, ABC News, 28 June 2025

But exports of agricultural goods are a lifeline for farmers in states like Iowa. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 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