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.
Understanding this complex relationship is crucial to protecting livelihoods and infrastructure in a warming planet. Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 The levee failures, delayed disaster response and irresponsible media coverage of Katrina epitomized the U.S. governmental failure and anti-Blackness that cost us our lives and livelihoods. Cierra Chenier, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025 Communities without access to cooling measures, adequate housing and those who rely on the elements for their livelihoods will feel the effects much more acutely, said Malik. Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025 Now, the government's cleanup plan faces the challenge of improving the tourist experience while also protecting the livelihoods of those who've long depended on getting money out of the tourists. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

livelihood

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

More from Merriam-Webster on livelihood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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