subsistence
noun
sub·sis·tence
səb-ˈsi-stən(t)s 
1
a(1)
: real being : existence
(2)
: the condition of remaining in existence : continuation, persistence
b
: an essential characteristic quality of something that exists
c
: the character possessed by whatever is logically conceivable
2
: means of subsisting: such as
a
: the minimum (as of food and shelter) necessary to support life
b
: a source or means of obtaining the necessities of life
Examples of subsistence in a Sentence
They depended on hunting and fishing for subsistence.
Farming is their means of subsistence.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sturgeon loomed large for millennia In North America, sturgeon have played important subsistence and cultural roles in Native communities, which marked the seasons by the fishes’ behavioral patterns.
—
Logan Kistler, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2025
This suggests Aboriginal communities were clearing the forests to create open spaces, potentially for subsistence.
—Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Nov. 2024
Alaska's lakes are not only a vital part of its ecosystem, but also serve as critical resources for fishing, transportation and indigenous subsistence living.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
But environmentalists and some Indigenous Alaskans have warned of the negative impact on the state’s wilderness, wildlife and local subsistence lifestyles.
—John Towfighi, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
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Logan Kistler, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2025
This suggests Aboriginal communities were clearing the forests to create open spaces, potentially for subsistence.
—Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Nov. 2024
Alaska's lakes are not only a vital part of its ecosystem, but also serve as critical resources for fishing, transportation and indigenous subsistence living.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
But environmentalists and some Indigenous Alaskans have warned of the negative impact on the state’s wilderness, wildlife and local subsistence lifestyles.
—John Towfighi, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subsistence
Cite this Entry
“Subsistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsistence. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subsistence
noun
sub·sis·tence
səb-ˈsis-tən(t)s
1
a
: real being : existence
b
: the condition of remaining in existence : continuation, persistence
2
a
: means of subsisting
b
: the minimum (as of food and shelter) necessary to support life
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