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
Victoria Gardner, who is tetraplegic after a vehicle accident left her unable to stand or use her hands, sees her at-home caregiver as a lifeline.
—
Josh Kelety, Fortune Well, 24 May 2024
By choosing to siphon the profits rather than redistribute Russia's assets, the EU looks to avoid the thorniest of those questions, while still offering a lifeline to Kyiv.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for lifeline 
Josh Kelety, Fortune Well, 24 May 2024
By choosing to siphon the profits rather than redistribute Russia's assets, the EU looks to avoid the thorniest of those questions, while still offering a lifeline to Kyiv.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 22 May 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 29 May. 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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