lifesaver

noun

life·​sav·​er ˈlīf-ˌsā-vər 

1

: one trained to save lives of drowning persons

2

: one that is at once timely and effective in time of distress or need

Examples of lifesaver in a Sentence

a surgical procedure that has been a lifesaver for many people

This multipurpose tool can be a real lifesaver when something needs fixing.

Frozen dinners can be lifesavers for busy parents.

Thanks so much for offering to help. You're a real lifesaver!

Recent Examples on the Web

The best root touch-ups are lifesavers for those among us who dye our hair, suddenly staring down an emerging head of grays, or are in the throes of postpartum hair loss. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 21 Feb. 2025

Document Everything Documenting everything is a lifesaver with challenging clients. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

The standout feature is the supportive footbed combined with a convenient drop-in heel, allowing for nearly hands-free slip-on and -off — a lifesaver for quickly getting out the door. —Will Porter, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2025

Lamar can potentially add lifesaver to his resume thanks to the American Heart Association shoutout. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifesaver

• ritonavir
• aver
• braver
• craver
• favor
• favour
• flavor
• flavour
• graver
• paver
• quaver
• raver

Kids Definition

lifesaver

noun

life·​sav·​er ˈlīf-ˌsā-vər 

1

: a person trained to save the lives of drowning persons

2

: something that relieves distress when most needed