noun
Uncommon
lifeline
LYF-lyn
Lifeline (noun) means something essential that keeps a person, group, or system going, especially in a crisis. Example: “The food aid became a lifeline for the flooded village.”
noun
1
Something essential that keeps a person, group, or system going, especially in a crisis.
"The food aid became a lifeline for the flooded village."
"Her weekly phone call was his lifeline during isolation."
2
A rope used to keep someone from falling or drowning, or to help them stay attached to a boat or structure.
"The sailor clipped his harness to the lifeline in rough seas."
How to use lifeline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA crucial source of help or safety, or literally a safety rope.
Common pairings
a lifeline to
throw someone a lifeline
economic lifeline
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Word forms
- Plural
- lifelines
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The food aid became a _____ for the flooded village.
Etymology
A compound of life + line, originally describing a literal rope that could save someone from drowning.
Synonyms
View more →
life line
line of life
Rhymes for lifeline
See all rhymes for lifeline →Frequently asked questions
What does “lifeline” mean?
The word “lifeline” means something essential that keeps a person, group, or system going, especially in a crisis. In plain terms, a crucial source of help or safety, or literally a safety rope.
How do you pronounce “lifeline”?
“Lifeline” is pronounced LYF-lyn (/ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “lifeline” in a sentence?
Here is “lifeline” used in a sentence: “The food aid became a lifeline for the flooded village.”
What part of speech is “lifeline”?
“Lifeline” is a noun.
Is “lifeline” a common word?
“Lifeline” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lifeline” have?
“Lifeline” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something essential that keeps a person, group, or system going, especially in a crisis.
