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, residents turn to cattle farming, hunting and fishing.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
For thousands of years humans have used snares to catch antelope, deer, and other game for sustenance.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 16 Jan. 2025
In her text, Shafak demonstrates how to embody both mother and artist, both nurturer and creator, both source and seeker of sustenance.
—Fidan Cheikosman, JSTOR Daily, 1 Jan. 2025
For sustenance, a platform descends the center of the tower.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sustenance 
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Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
For thousands of years humans have used snares to catch antelope, deer, and other game for sustenance.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 16 Jan. 2025
In her text, Shafak demonstrates how to embody both mother and artist, both nurturer and creator, both source and seeker of sustenance.
—Fidan Cheikosman, JSTOR Daily, 1 Jan. 2025
For sustenance, a platform descends the center of the tower.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2025
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 30 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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