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
The empty notebook becomes not just a symbol of potential but a lifeline to sanity, while the black milk represents not just personal fear but post-memory, an illustration of generations of women who dared to be both mothers and creators.
—
Fidan Cheikosman, JSTOR Daily, 1 Jan. 2025
President-elect Donald Trump offered House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) a lifeline on Monday by endorsing his speakership just days before the 119th Congress is set to convene and elect its next leader.
—Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Dec. 2024
Many iPhones became lifelines by becoming satellite phones after flooding took out cellphone towers.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 28 Dec. 2024
Her stories had been an important lifeline for them.
—Maria Varenikova, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lifeline 
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Fidan Cheikosman, JSTOR Daily, 1 Jan. 2025
President-elect Donald Trump offered House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) a lifeline on Monday by endorsing his speakership just days before the 119th Congress is set to convene and elect its next leader.
—Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Dec. 2024
Many iPhones became lifelines by becoming satellite phones after flooding took out cellphone towers.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 28 Dec. 2024
Her stories had been an important lifeline for them.
—Maria Varenikova, New York Times, 20 Dec. 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 15 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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