Standard Lemma guide

lifesaving

adj · noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • CMU ARPABET: L AY1 F S EY2 V IH0 NG Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

adj

Meaning 1

Alternative form of life-saving.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: alt-of, alternative, uncommon

Examples

  • The lifesaving surgery is expensive, but so is a funeral.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The act of saving a life, especially from drowning.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Examples

  • I’m normally a big fan of lifesaving, but in his case we can make an exception.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

saving the lives of drowning persons

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he took a course in lifesaving

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: rescue, deliverance, delivery, saving

History

Etymology

From life + saving.

Real reading context

lifesaving in complete knowledge articles

William H. Aspinwall (pilot boat) Places & the world · Accessible · 1 uses