sustenance
noun
sus·te·nance
ˈsə-stə-nən(t)s 
1
a
: means of support, maintenance, or subsistence : living
b
: food, provisions
also
: nourishment
2
a
: the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained
b
: a supplying or being supplied with the necessaries of life
3
: something that gives support, endurance, or strength
Examples of sustenance in a Sentence
Tree bark provides deer with sustenance in periods of drought.
The village depends on the sea for sustenance.
She draws spiritual sustenance from daily church attendance.
Recent Examples on the Web
While some shufflers use retirement income for sustenance, others rent out their homes or work remotely.
—
Carole Rosenblat, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
These seeds are rich in fats and protein, providing sustenance for many birds and animals.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
In Tehran, where the minimum wage sits just above 200 million rials a month, the daily struggle for basic sustenance has become a catalyst for revolt.
—Liram Koblentz-Stenzler, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
The result is a delicious bowl of sustenance, where each ingredient has been utilized to its full potential.
—Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sustenance
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Carole Rosenblat, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
These seeds are rich in fats and protein, providing sustenance for many birds and animals.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
In Tehran, where the minimum wage sits just above 200 million rials a month, the daily struggle for basic sustenance has become a catalyst for revolt.
—Liram Koblentz-Stenzler, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
The result is a delicious bowl of sustenance, where each ingredient has been utilized to its full potential.
—Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sustenance
Cite this Entry
“Sustenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustenance. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sustenance
noun
sus·te·nance
ˈsəs-tə-nən(t)s
1
a
: means of support, maintenance, or existence
2
: the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained
especially
: a supplying with the necessities of life
3
: something that gives support, help, or strength
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