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

Frankly, it’s been a lifesaver for those of us who communicate with her regularly. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025

Best Black Friday Tablet Deals A sturdy tablet for kids can be a lifesaver when traveling with the family. —Anja Webb, Parents, 28 Nov. 2024

Finding the best body acne treatment, however, can be a lifesaver. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024

Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism has been a literal lifesaver for me. —Rosemary Trout, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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