1. a small boat carried on a ship for use in emergencies, especially if the ship is sinking
Usage: nautical
2. a specially designed boat used for rescuing people in danger at sea
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The passengers were ordered to the lifeboats when the ship began to sink.
• Each lifeboat can hold up to fifty people.
• The coast guard launched a lifeboat to rescue the stranded sailors.
• Crew members lowered the lifeboats into the choppy water.
• The lifeboat reached the survivors just in time.
• Modern cruise ships carry enough lifeboats for all passengers and crew.