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

Advocates for the project say the San Vicente-Fairfax route would be a lifeline not just for West Hollywood residents but for low-income Angelenos across the region.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

India supplies more than half of Africa's generic medicines, and cheaper semaglutide could become a lifeline for countries where obesity is rising rapidly but treatment remains unaffordable.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

In an interview, Frederiksen said it was “too simplistic” to suggest Trump had thrown her a lifeline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Robert Aprill, a partner at Physician Growth Partners, a firm that connects doctors with investors, said that most physicians come to his company looking for a lifeline.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

“I see he’s got his lifeline back,” Dad grumbled, coming back into the room, looking calmer than when he’d left.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds