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.
Owners of Louisville Llama Farm Caroline Willette and Dale Hill lost their livelihood with the death of their seven remaining llamas in a barn fire Monday morning. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 But Nashville's rising cost of living, which includes the cost of housing, is threatening the livelihoods of the people who made the city so attractive in the first place. Sandy Mazza, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Their livelihoods, food security, cultural identity and spiritual practices are deeply intertwined with the health of this ecosystem. Mariah Meek, The Conversation, 30 June 2025 But with Trump continually announcing new trade duties targeting Chinese goods, Linden fears for his entire livelihood, not just for the future of his dream product, since his day job is also in the industry. Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 30 June 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 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

livelihood

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

More from Merriam-Webster on livelihood

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