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

Synonyms

• aliment
• food
• nourishment
• pabulum

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

For sustenance, a platform descends the center of the tower. —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 4 June 2024

Some Jamestown colonists became so desperate for sustenance that there is even evidence of human cannibalism. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2024

Such support can offer professional and creative sustenance as well as elevate the public profiles of cultural figures as a potential shield against persecution. —Suzanne Nossel, Foreign Affairs, 29 Feb. 2024

Most of the rest of the world really thought about food as first of all sustenance, but also largely pleasure, tradition, joy, sharing, and Americans have long wanted to discount that part of the equation. —Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from sustenir

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

sustenance

noun

sus·​te·​nance ˈsəs-tə-nən(t)s 

1

a

: means of support, maintenance, or existence

b

: nourishment sense 1

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