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
Yet for Kassim and his family, the island is a lifeline.
—
Sira Thierij, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
Disagreement about how to manage its sale or ownership—and whether to see it as a financial lifeline or a memorial to the past—simmers under the surface of every conversation about Christmas traditions or family photographs.
—Amanda Parrish Morgan, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2024
In some cases, either the algorithms or the strategic focus on boosting controversy provides the most audacious claims with a lifeline.
—Peter Suciu, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
The deal is seen as a lifeline in particular for Nissan, which has been slashing jobs and production amid faltering sales.
—River Akira Davis, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lifeline 
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Sira Thierij, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
Disagreement about how to manage its sale or ownership—and whether to see it as a financial lifeline or a memorial to the past—simmers under the surface of every conversation about Christmas traditions or family photographs.
—Amanda Parrish Morgan, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2024
In some cases, either the algorithms or the strategic focus on boosting controversy provides the most audacious claims with a lifeline.
—Peter Suciu, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
The deal is seen as a lifeline in particular for Nissan, which has been slashing jobs and production amid faltering sales.
—River Akira Davis, New York Times, 23 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 2 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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