livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce livelihood (audio)
1
: means of support or subsistence (see subsistence sense 2)
The villagers' main livelihood is fishing.
2
obsolete : the quality or state of being lively

Examples of livelihood in a Sentence

Many fishermen believe that the new regulations threaten their livelihoods.
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.
The disputed land is literally the foundation for the athletes’ livelihoods. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024 Overall, the locals in Osceola County are largely motivated by the issues that directly affect their livelihoods. Alec Mork and Mikia Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024 And whether their own livelihood and sense of security is worth such a risk. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024 Suddenly, their livelihood is gone, and the screen goes black. Erik Logan, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for livelihood 

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English livelode course of life, from Old English līflād, from līf + lād course — more at lode

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of livelihood was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near livelihood

Cite this Entry

“Livelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/livelihood. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

livelihood

noun
live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce livelihood (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!