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
In the daily scramble to get dinner on the table, ready-to-eat food is a lifeline.
—
Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024
This access to cheaper capital can be a lifeline, especially for small businesses in highly competitive markets or those looking to recover from recent economic challenges.
—Nandan Sheth, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2024
The money has been a crucial lifeline as the family waits for more government aid to come through.
—J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lifeline 
Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024
This access to cheaper capital can be a lifeline, especially for small businesses in highly competitive markets or those looking to recover from recent economic challenges.
—Nandan Sheth, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2024
The money has been a crucial lifeline as the family waits for more government aid to come through.
—J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lifeline
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lifeline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lifeline
Cite this Entry
“Lifeline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeline. Accessed 4 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
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