1
a
: having life
b
: active, functioning
living languages
2
a
: exhibiting the life or motion of nature : natural
the wilderness is a living museum … of natural history—
NEA Jour.
NEA Jour.3
a
: full of life or vigor
b
: true to life : vivid
televised in living color
c
: suited for living
the living area
4
: involving living persons
5
: very
—used as an intensive
scared the living daylights out of me
livingness
noun
1
: the condition of being alive
2
a
: means of subsistence : livelihood
earning a living
c
British
: benefice sense 1
3
: conduct or manner of life
the collegiate way of living—J. B. Conant
J. B. ConantSynonyms
Examples of living in a Sentence
Adjective
I was taught to respect all living things.
His aunt is his closest living relative.
He's one of our greatest living authors.
It was the first time I had ever seen a living, breathing bear in the wild.
Noun
the challenges of city living
It's summertime, and the living is easy.
the living and the dead
The world belongs to the living.
Recent Examples on the Web
Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 1 Dec. 2024
Punto Dos Studio, Andrés Villota A unique feature of the home's design is the integration of a living Pigüe tree, which passes through the structure itself.
—New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2024
Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
However, economic factors such as inflation and the rising cost of living are impacting Gen Z’s holiday spending, with many seeking deals and exclusive discounts while still prioritizing ethical choices.
—Nandan Sheth, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for living 
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.
Adjective
The remaining area can be used for storage or renovated into more living space.
—Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 1 Dec. 2024
Punto Dos Studio, Andrés Villota A unique feature of the home's design is the integration of a living Pigüe tree, which passes through the structure itself.
—New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2024
Noun
While envisioning and creating masterful dishes for a living is a fantasy for many, this industry is one filled with barriers, including low-paying starting positions and the need to work relentlessly to stand out and break through the glass ceiling.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
However, economic factors such as inflation and the rising cost of living are impacting Gen Z’s holiday spending, with many seeking deals and exclusive discounts while still prioritizing ethical choices.
—Nandan Sheth, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for living
Dictionary Entries Near living
Cite this Entry
“Living.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/living. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share