lifeline

American  

[lahyf-lahyn] / ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a line, fired across a ship or boat, by means of which a hawser for a breeches buoy may be hauled aboard.

2. a line or rope for saving life, as one attached to a lifeboat.

3. any of various lines running above the decks, spars, etc., of a ship or boat to give sailors something to grasp when there is danger of falling or being washed away.

4. a wire safety rope supported by stanchions along the edge of the deck of a yacht.

5. the line by which a diver is lowered and raised.

6. any of several anchored lines used by swimmers for support.

7. a route or means of transportation or communication for receiving or delivering food, medicine, or assistance.

   This road is the town's lifeline and must be kept open despite the snow.

8. assistance at a critical time.

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lifeline British  

/ ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a line thrown or fired aboard a vessel for hauling in a hawser for a breeches buoy

2. any rope or line attached to a vessel or trailed from it for the safety of passengers, crew, swimmers, etc

3. a line by which a deep-sea diver is raised or lowered

4. a vital line of access or communication

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Etymology

Origin of lifeline

First recorded in 1690–1700; life + line ¹

Explanation

A lifeline is a safety feature on a boat, a rope that either protects you from falling off or that you can throw to someone who's drowning. If you stumble off your friend's sailboat into the water, she'll throw you a lifeline. When sailors need to rescue a swimmer or a clumsy passenger, it helps to have a lifeline handy. And when you receive other kinds of vital support or help — a mobile phone, or a job recommendation, or a scholarship for college, for example — you can also call them lifelines. This figurative meaning has been around since the 19th century, while the "live-saving rope" definition is the earliest one, from about 1700.

Example Sentences

Lifeline follows the story of Sir Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington in 1928, weaving his historical journey with a contemporary narrative centred on a junior doctor in Edinburgh.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

The Federal Communications Commission voted Wednesday to advance sweeping reforms to its Lifeline program, tightening eligibility requirements and procedures for the nearly $3 billion phone and internet subsidy for low-income households.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

On the other side of Lake Avenue, the Lifeline Fellowship Church once held Sunday services.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025

If you are in need of help, 988 is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

From Slate • Aug. 30, 2025

We will now sing two verses ob "Th'ow Out de Lifeline, Anoder Ship Sinkin' To-day."

From Best Short Stories by Masson, Thomas L.