lifeguard

noun

life·​guard ˈlīf-ˌgärd How to pronounce lifeguard (audio)
: a usually expert swimmer employed (as at a beach or a pool) to safeguard other swimmers
lifeguard intransitive verb

Examples of lifeguard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
People planning beach trips should go to one where lifeguards are on duty, the weather service said, as large waves and strong rip currents are likely. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Beachgoers were advised to remain aware of their surroundings while in the water and follow instructions from lifeguards and posted beach advisories. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 The bystanders and lifeguards attempted life-saving efforts and CPR after the boy was pulled from the water. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026 Jake McDorman, who played everyone’s favorite lifeguard in the beloved film, will be reprising his role in the upcoming Disney television series of the coming-of-age movie, per PEOPLE. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lifeguard

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifeguard was in 1893

Rhymes for lifeguard

See All Rhymes for lifeguard

Browse Nearby Words

life goes on
lifeguard
Life Guardsman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifeguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeguard. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lifeguard

noun
life·​guard ˈlīf-ˌgärd How to pronounce lifeguard (audio)
: a usually expert swimmer employed at a beach or swimming pool to protect swimmers from drowning
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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