lifeline

[lahyf-lahyn]

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.

lifeline

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lifeline¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; life + line ¹

Example Sentences

A music shop owner has said the surge in people buying physical-format music like vinyl has a been "lifeline".

From BBC

India's trains are often called the lifeline of the country because of the expanse of their network and how affordable they are.

From BBC

He developed the skill when he was much younger and now sees it as a lifeline in the face of adversity.

From BBC

Afghan women have told the BBC that the internet is a lifeline to the outside world since the Taliban banned girls over the age of 12 from getting an education.

From BBC

For Fahima, the internet was her last lifeline to the outside world.

From BBC