lifesaving

1 of 2

adjective

life·​sav·​ing ˈlīf-ˌsā-viŋ How to pronounce lifesaving (audio)
: designed for or used in saving lives
lifesaving drugs

lifesaving

2 of 2

noun

: the skill or practice of saving or protecting the lives especially of drowning persons

Examples of lifesaving in a Sentence

Noun All lifeguards are trained in lifesaving.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Patients and health care advocates said the abrupt decision to halt U.S. funding for a lifesaving HIV program in Africa led to widespread confusion and worry that the virus would spread further. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025 Regarding money management, few things are more lifesaving than an emergency fund. Nia Bowers, Detroit Free Press, 28 Nov. 2024
Noun
These somewhat plain spheres look as ho-hum as a town water tower, but tucked inside each is one of modern meteorology’s most revolutionary and lifesaving tools: Doppler radar. Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 30 May 2025 When all motorcyclists are required to wear helmets, mandated by universal motorcycle helmet laws, the lifesaving impact is profound. Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lifesaving

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifesaving was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifesaving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifesaving. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

lifesaving

1 of 2 adjective
life·​sav·​ing ˈlīf-ˌsā-viŋ How to pronounce lifesaving (audio)
: designed for or used in saving lives
livesaving devices

lifesaving

2 of 2 noun
: the methods that can be used to save lives especially of drowning persons

Medical Definition

lifesaving

1 of 2 adjective
life·​sav·​ing ˈlīf-ˌsā-viŋ How to pronounce lifesaving (audio)
: designed for or used in saving lives
lifesaving drugs

lifesaving

2 of 2 noun
: the skill or practice of saving or protecting the lives especially of drowning persons

More from Merriam-Webster on lifesaving

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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