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
My four-year-old is not at all interested in Donald Trump — and that is really a lifeline for me.
—
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024
After a week at the shelter, Silva met a construction worker at Popeye’s who threw the family a lifeline: a spot for Silva on his crew.
—Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 4 Nov. 2024
The truth is, after losing revenue for nine of the last 15 years, in a market where oversupply and price wars made foreign steel more attractive (now 25 percent of U.S. domestic consumption), the deal was a lifeline for U.S. Steel.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
When their economic lifeline is threatened and the cafe is forced to close, the community must find new pathways for survival and connection.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lifeline 
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.
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024
After a week at the shelter, Silva met a construction worker at Popeye’s who threw the family a lifeline: a spot for Silva on his crew.
—Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 4 Nov. 2024
The truth is, after losing revenue for nine of the last 15 years, in a market where oversupply and price wars made foreign steel more attractive (now 25 percent of U.S. domestic consumption), the deal was a lifeline for U.S. Steel.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
When their economic lifeline is threatened and the cafe is forced to close, the community must find new pathways for survival and connection.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024
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 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share