make a living
idiom
: to earn the money one needs to pay for housing, food, etc.
He made a living by working as a cook.
Examples of make a living in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bonger is married to Theo, who financially and emotionally supports his brother, Vincent, who was unable to make a living from his paintings.
—
The Know, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2025
As a professional cartographer, his reputation and ability to make a living is on the line if his map was found to be less than useful.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 15 July 2025
Tucked into the 940-page bill are a few sentences that prominent poker players and gambling experts say could mean the difference between many players being able to make a living in the industry or not.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 25 July 2025
See you all next week, Dana Even indie directors like Sean Baker and Brady Corbet struggle to make a living.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for make a living
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The Know, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2025
As a professional cartographer, his reputation and ability to make a living is on the line if his map was found to be less than useful.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 15 July 2025
Tucked into the 940-page bill are a few sentences that prominent poker players and gambling experts say could mean the difference between many players being able to make a living in the industry or not.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 25 July 2025
See you all next week, Dana Even indie directors like Sean Baker and Brady Corbet struggle to make a living.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for make a living
Cite this Entry
“Make a living.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20a%20living. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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