# lifeboat

/ˈɫaɪfˌboʊt/ (US) · /lˈaɪfbəʊt/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lifeboat
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: a small vessel carried by a larger ship for emergency evacuation, or a shore-based craft specifically designed for maritime rescue operations.

## Examples

- 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'lifeboat station' or 'lifeboat drill'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.