lifeboat
n. countable B1 Intermediate US //ˈɫaɪfˌboʊt// UK //lˈaɪfbəʊt// lifeboat
n. a small, strong boat kept on a larger ship to save people if there is an emergency. It can also be a boat kept on land that goes out to help people in trouble at sea.
n. a small vessel carried by a larger ship for emergency evacuation, or a shore-based craft specifically designed for maritime rescue operations.
The crew lowered the lifeboat into the water during the drill.
Every passenger must know the location of their assigned lifeboat before the ship leaves the harbor.
Modern maritime regulations mandate that the total capacity of lifeboats must exceed the maximum number of passengers and crew permitted on board the vessel.
From life + boat.
Usage
Often used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'lifeboat station' or 'lifeboat drill'.