lifeboat

[lahyf-boht]

noun

1. a double-ended ship's boat, constructed, mounted, and provisioned so as to be readily able to rescue and maintain persons from a sinking vessel.

2. a similarly constructed boat used by shore-based rescue services.

lifeboat

/ ˈlaɪfˌbəʊt /

noun

1. a boat, propelled by oars or a motor, used for rescuing people at sea, escaping from a sinking ship, etc

2. informal,  a fund set up by the dealers in a market to rescue any member who may become insolvent as a result of a collapse in market prices

Word History and Origins

Origin of lifeboat¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; life + boat

Example Sentences

"The work we are doing, and zoos around Europe are doing, is really to be that lifeboat, to be that ark population."

From BBC

But on seeing the lifeboat, many of those in the water decide to swim directly to it, and they are hauled on board.

From BBC

Aerial footage from a police helicopter showed rescuers diving into the water to pull swimmers to the safety of a lifeboat.

From Los Angeles Times

Four passengers were found on a lifeboat in the early hours of Thursday while the search for more survivors continues.

From BBC

People watching Look East were able to look on in real time as the beach-goer was loaded on to a lifeboat.

From BBC

Related Words

• barge 
• canoe 
• catamaran 
• craft 
• dinghy 
• gondola 
• raft 
• sailboat 
• schooner 
• ship 
• yacht