sustenance
noun
sus·te·nance
ˈsə-stə-nən(t)s 
1
a
: means of support, maintenance, or subsistence : living
b
: food, provisions
also
: nourishment
2
a
: the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained
b
: a supplying or being supplied with the necessaries of life
3
: something that gives support, endurance, or strength
Examples of sustenance in a Sentence
Tree bark provides deer with sustenance in periods of drought.
The village depends on the sea for sustenance.
She draws spiritual sustenance from daily church attendance.
Recent Examples on the Web
For sustenance, a platform descends the center of the tower.
—
Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2025
But here's the warning that many leaders fail to heed: Without deep roots, (values and purpose) and a strong trunk (performance system and habits), these achievements—like leaves without sustenance—will wither and fall.
—Jennifer Kamara, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Our delightfully furry bee friend has stepped up to the nectar bar and selected a purple toadflax (Linaria purpurea) for sustenance.
—New York Times Games, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2024
For the female, this ensures a reliable supply of sperm, while the male benefits from constant sustenance, eliminating the need to forage.
3.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sustenance 
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Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2025
But here's the warning that many leaders fail to heed: Without deep roots, (values and purpose) and a strong trunk (performance system and habits), these achievements—like leaves without sustenance—will wither and fall.
—Jennifer Kamara, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Our delightfully furry bee friend has stepped up to the nectar bar and selected a purple toadflax (Linaria purpurea) for sustenance.
—New York Times Games, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2024
For the female, this ensures a reliable supply of sperm, while the male benefits from constant sustenance, eliminating the need to forage.
3.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sustenance
Dictionary Entries Near sustenance
Cite this Entry
“Sustenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustenance. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sustenance
noun
sus·te·nance
ˈsəs-tə-nən(t)s
1
a
: means of support, maintenance, or existence
2
: the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained
especially
: a supplying with the necessities of life
3
: something that gives support, help, or strength
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