lifesaver

noun

life·​sav·​er ˈlīf-ˌsā-vər How to pronounce lifesaver (audio)
1
: one trained to save lives of drowning persons
2
: one that is at once timely and effective in time of distress or need

Examples of lifesaver in a Sentence

a surgical procedure that has been a lifesaver for many people This multipurpose tool can be a real lifesaver when something needs fixing. Frozen dinners can be lifesavers for busy parents. Thanks so much for offering to help. You're a real lifesaver!
Recent Examples on the Web Now that the weather is getting warmer, our trusty collection of outdoor toys and games has been a lifesaver—and many are on sale right now. Laura Lu, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024 Having one of these cards available can be a lifesaver. Barry Collins, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 For low light situations, this external light is a lifesaver for taking smartphone photos thanks to its 32 high quality LED beads. Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2024 That positive portrayal could be a call to arms to many politicians stoking the flames of anti-immigrant policies, but Garrone was gifted a distinctly Italian lifesaver when the movie arrived in local theaters. Gregory Ellwood, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024 An overnight diaper can be a lifesaver or a money-waster, depending on its quality and overall design. Sarah Bradley, Parents, 13 Feb. 2024 This Tula day and night cream has been a lifesaver. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 3 Feb. 2024 Frozen dumplings are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Anna Rodriguez, Washington Post, 31 Jan. 2024 Connecting online can be a lifesaver for boys who don't find friendship at school. Phyllis L. Fagell, CNN, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lifesaver.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifesaver was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near lifesaver

Cite this Entry

“Lifesaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifesaver. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lifesaver

noun
life·​sav·​er ˈlīf-ˌsā-vər How to pronounce lifesaver (audio)
1
: a person trained to save the lives of drowning persons
2
: something that relieves distress when most needed

More from Merriam-Webster on lifesaver

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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