life-saver: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, figurative
Quick answer
What does “life-saver” mean?
A person or thing that saves someone's life.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that saves someone's life.
A person or thing that provides vital help in a difficult situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly refers to a 'lifeguard' in UK usage. In US, more commonly refers to the ring-shaped sweet/candy ('Lifesaver') and figurative use for a helpful person/thing.
Connotations
Both use figuratively. UK retains a stronger literal association with beach/pool safety.
Frequency
Fairly common in both varieties, but US usage is slightly more frequent due to the candy brand and figurative use.
Grammar
How to Use “life-saver” in a Sentence
[Noun] was a life-saver for [Person/Group][Noun] proved a life-savercall/need/have a life-saverVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “life-saver” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A as verb. The verbal concept is 'to save a life'.
American English
- N/A as verb. The verbal concept is 'to save a life'.
adverb
British English
- N/A as a dedicated adverb. 'Life-savingly' is non-standard.
American English
- N/A as a dedicated adverb. 'Life-savingly' is non-standard.
adjective
British English
- She played a life-saving role.
- The life-saving equipment was deployed.
American English
- He had a lifesaving operation.
- The lifesaving app alerted the authorities.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The new software update was a real life-saver for the overworked admin team."
Academic
Rare in formal academic prose; appears in informal pedagogical contexts.
Everyday
"Thanks for picking up the kids; you're a life-saver!"
Technical
Used in safety engineering and medicine (e.g., 'The new clot-busting drug is a life-saver.').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “life-saver”
- Spelling as one word ('lifesaver') is standard in US, but hyphenated is also accepted. Using it in overly formal contexts.
- Confusing with 'life-savings' (one's financial reserves).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both forms are correct. 'Lifesaver' (one word) is more common in American English, while 'life-saver' (hyphenated) is often seen in British English, though usage varies.
Yes. Literally, it can be a lifebuoy, defibrillator, or medicine. Figuratively, it can be any object that provides crucial help (e.g., a spare tyre, a power bank).
A 'lifeguard' is specifically a trained professional employed to ensure safety at a swimming pool or beach. A 'life-saver' is a broader term that can include a lifeguard, but also any person (e.g., a doctor, a passer-by) or device that saves a life.
No, it's a common hyperbolic expression of gratitude in informal contexts ("Thanks for the coffee, you're a life-saver!"). The tone is lighthearted and appreciative, not literally claiming they saved your life.
A person or thing that saves someone's life.
Life-saver is usually informal, figurative in register.
Life-saver: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪfˌseɪvə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪfˌseɪvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Throw someone a life-saver”
- “A life-saver in disguise”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LIFEGUARD throwing a LIFEbuoy to SAVE someone. Life + Saver.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULTY IS DROWNING / HELP IS A RESCUE.
Practice
Quiz
In a UK context, which of these is the most likely LITERAL meaning of 'life-saver'?