life belt

noun

1. a beltlike life preserver.

life belt

noun

1. a ring filled with buoyant material or air, used to keep a person afloat when in danger of drowning

Word History and Origins

Origin of life belt¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

As they approached England, the soldiers, fearing torpedoes from German submarines, slept in their clothes and life belts, full canteens by their sides.

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Doors, chairs and a piece of a mast with a life belt attached that read “Tampa” were later found floating in the water.

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“Yes,” said Doge, clutching at Harry’s question like a drowning man at a life belt.

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Dr. Malone felt like a drowning sailor being thrown a life belt.

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Swimmers helped migrants into life belts and pulled them toward the patrol boat.

Read more on Time

Related Words

• life preserver 
• life vest