livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce livelihood (audio)
Synonyms of livelihoodnext
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.
Other people’s livelihoods, and my children’s stability so soon after my divorce, were tied to what happened next. —Adrianne Wright, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026 Lori Kelley of Harrisburg, North Carolina, has deteriorating vision that affects her livelihood. —Samantha Liss, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026 County attorney Matt Mills read Bettencourt’s letter following an impassioned public hearing where most speakers told commissioners that their quality of life, and livelihoods, were at stake. —Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2026 For those who rely on snow for their livelihoods, every ski season is a nail-biter. —Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 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

Rhymes for livelihood

See All Rhymes for livelihood

Browse Nearby Words

livelihead
livelihood
livelily
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Livelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/livelihood. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Kids Definition

livelihood

noun
live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce livelihood (audio)
: living entry 2 sense 3

More from Merriam-Webster on livelihood

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for livelihood

Nglish: Translation of livelihood for Spanish Speakers

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