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
That money has been a lifeline for many, in one of the most remittance-dependent countries in the world.
—
Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Retirees who have more time to spend in shopping lines become their families’ lifelines, taking on the cumbersome task of searching for food and standing in long lines.
—Sarah Moreno
updated April 29, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Now it’s being promoted by Invest Qatar, the government’s inward investment agency, alongside newer lifelines such as rent waivers and regulatory filing extensions which have been offered in response to the regional disruption caused by the Iran conflict.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Alex Cora had barely been out of a job after the World Series champion manager was fired by the Boston Red Sox when his old boss offered him a professional lifeline.
—Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
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Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Retirees who have more time to spend in shopping lines become their families’ lifelines, taking on the cumbersome task of searching for food and standing in long lines.
—Sarah Moreno
updated April 29, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Now it’s being promoted by Invest Qatar, the government’s inward investment agency, alongside newer lifelines such as rent waivers and regulatory filing extensions which have been offered in response to the regional disruption caused by the Iran conflict.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Alex Cora had barely been out of a job after the World Series champion manager was fired by the Boston Red Sox when his old boss offered him a professional lifeline.
—Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lifeline
Cite this Entry
“Lifeline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeline. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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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