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

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."

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 notes

In plain EnglishA crucial source of help or safety, or literally a safety rope.

Common pairings

a lifeline to throw someone a lifeline economic lifeline

Word forms

lifelines plural

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Fill the gap

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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

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life line line of life

Rhymes for lifeline

nine mine wine line sine dine fine vine pine tine thine shine

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.