life jacket

noun

1. a sleeveless jacket of buoyant or inflatable construction, for supporting the wearer in deep water and preventing drowning.

life jacket

noun

1. an inflatable sleeveless jacket worn to keep a person afloat when in danger of drowning

Word History and Origins

Origin of life jacket¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

She’s starting to equate the life jacket with fun, and that’s the whole goal on trips like these.

From Outside Online

So far, training her to be a great water dog has been mostly a success, and this life jacket has certainly played a role.

From Outside Online

At this floating encampment, also in Ohio, you can rent kayaks, canoes, paddles, life jackets and even floating fire pits if you want some smoke on the water.

From Ozy

The lead actor, who was famous, was wearing a life jacket and made it to shore.

From MIT Technology Review

As he told it, he gave a struggling sailor his life jacket and then helped a pilot who had been badly burned, staying by his side until they were rescued about five hours later.

From Washington Post

Maclean watches the small explosion in the water—a leg, a ski, a life jacket.

From The Daily Beast

From early morning, the passengers are astir—each one entrammelled in a life-jacket that reminds them continually of danger.

From Project Gutenberg

The boat was shoved back, the life-jacket was transferred to Guy, and the boatman was put ashore.

From Project Gutenberg

He forced himself to relax, let the life jacket support him.

From Project Gutenberg

With this life jacket on I could swim round the Horn, declared Sam confidently.

From Project Gutenberg

Slipping into my life-jacket, I groped my way to my station on deck.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• life preserver
• life vest