life belt

noun

1. a beltlike life preserver.

life belt

noun

1. a ring filled with buoyant material or air, used to keep a person afloat when in danger of drowning

Word History and Origins

Origin of life belt¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

As they approached England, the soldiers, fearing torpedoes from German submarines, slept in their clothes and life belts, full canteens by their sides.

From Wall Street Journal

Doors, chairs and a piece of a mast with a life belt attached that read “Tampa” were later found floating in the water.

From Washington Post

“Yes,” said Doge, clutching at Harry’s question like a drowning man at a life belt.

From Literature

Dr. Malone felt like a drowning sailor being thrown a life belt.

From Literature

Swimmers helped migrants into life belts and pulled them toward the patrol boat.

From Time

Related Words

• life jacket
• life vest