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 line 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 line 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

Example Sentences

While in the kitchen, Catherine spoke about the importance of The Hanging Gardens and described places like it as "a lifeline to so many people in the community".

From BBC

The students' union, once a space made for students to relax in between lectures and tutorials, has now become a lifeline for some, O'Rawe added.

From BBC

But to the north San Fernando Valley, it has been a community lifeline and gathering spot since it first opened during the pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times

"Sixty percent of Russian oil goes through the Baltic, it is a lifeline."

From Barron's

Customers including Ford, General Motors and Harley-Davidson stepped in to provide a last-minute lifeline for the company—week-to-week financing to cover costs associated with products crucial for their vehicles.

From The Wall Street Journal