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.
Under the principle known as multiple use, they are managed for the dual, and often hard-to-reconcile, purposes of natural conservation and the sustenance of human livelihoods. James Pogue, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 The first step is to repair damage caused by the river that his livelihood depends upon. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2025 Chicagoans are working today, but their livelihoods have changed. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025 Read the full Aquarius Daily Horoscope Pisces (February 19 - March 20) Your livelihood may feel tied to others now. USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Livelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/livelihood. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

livelihood

noun
live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce livelihood (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on livelihood

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