# lifeline

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn/ · frequency rank #21,565

## Definitions
1. A line to which a drowning or falling victim may cling.
2. A source of salvation in a crisis.
3. A means or route for transporting indispensable supplies.
4. A system or structure of vital importance to a community.
5. On the deck of a boat, a line to which one can attach oneself to stay aboard on rough seas.
6. A line from the diver to a tender at the surface control point.
7. A particular crease in the palm.

## Etymology
From life + line.

## Easily confused with
- **lifetime** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lifeline-vs-lifetime)
- **lifelong** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lifeline-vs-lifelong)
- **lifelike** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/lifelike-vs-lifeline)

## Common misspellings (11)
`ilfeline`, `lfieline`, `liefline`, `lifeilne`, `lifelien`, `lifelinne`, `lifelline`, `lifelnie`, `liffeline`, `lifleine`, `llifeline`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-02.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/lifeline