livelihood

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noun live·li·hood \ ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d \

Definition of livelihood

1 :means of support or subsistence (see subsistence 2)

The villagers' main livelihood is fishing.

2 obsolete :the quality or state of being lively

See livelihood defined for English-language learners

See livelihood defined for kids

Examples of livelihood in a Sentence

Many fishermen believe that the new regulations threaten their livelihoods.

Recent Examples of livelihood from the Web

For women who make their living through their writing and teaching, taking strong positions on controversial issues can have extraordinary consequences—not only for their livelihoods, but for everyone who works for them.

— emma green, The Atlantic, "What Obligation Do White Christian Women Have to Speak Out About Politics?," 20 Aug. 2017
Religious Americans not interested in participating in gay weddings, including bakers and photographers, had their livelihoods destroyed.

— bethany mandel, National Review, "Trump’s Transgender Tweets Resonate with Americans," 31 July 2017
That revenue supports the livelihoods of more than 165,000 small and mid-sized farms and ranches, according to the USDA.

— ann norman, cleveland.com, "Medina to celebrate National Farmers Market Week Aug. 12," 31 July 2017
As someone who has dedicated his livelihood to the art of travel, points, and deals, Kelly has the insight and advice that could put money in your pockets and your butt in a lounge chair in the San Sebastián.

— amanda arnold, GQ, "The Best Credit Card for Travel Rewards, and Other Advice from The Points Guy," 27 July 2017
Globally, women are disproportionately affected by poverty, have less financial independence, and are more dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods.

— katie van syckle, The Cut, "These Alaskan Women Are Fighting to Bring Renewable Energy to Tribal Lands," 22 July 2017
PERSPECTIVES Taking away someone's livelihood for a mistake, won't help anyone.

— mark inabinett, AL.com, "The Countdown to Kickoff: The SEC's best No. 47," 17 July 2017
For some people, this is really a matter of their livelihood, so people are hesitating for very good reasons to say, ‘

— emma green, The Atlantic, "‘We’re Headed Toward One of the Greatest Divisions in the History of the Jewish People’," 16 July 2017
But the judicial buck usually stops in the lower courts, and the decisions made by lower court judges are likelier to have a far broader impact on lives and livelihoods of those who seek justice through the federal judicial system.

— john g. malcolm, Fortune, "How Trump Has Kept His Own Party From Rebelling Against Him," 15 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'livelihood.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of livelihood

alteration of Middle English livelode course of life, from Old English līflād, from līf + lād course — more at lode

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First Known Use: 14th century

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LIVELIHOOD Defined for English Language Learners

livelihood

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noun

Definition of livelihood for English Language Learners

: a way of earning money in order to live

LIVELIHOOD Defined for Kids

livelihood

play

noun live·li·hood \ ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d \

Definition of livelihood for Students

:²living 3

Learn More about livelihood

See words that rhyme with livelihood Spanish Central: Translation of livelihood Nglish: Translation of livelihood for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of livelihood for Arabic speakers

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livelihood

Definition of livelihood

Examples of livelihood in a Sentence

Recent Examples of livelihood from the Web

Origin and Etymology of livelihood

LIVELIHOOD Defined for English Language Learners

livelihood

Definition of livelihood for English Language Learners

LIVELIHOOD Defined for Kids

livelihood

Definition of livelihood for Students

Learn More about livelihood

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Examples of livelihood in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of livelihood

LIVELIHOOD Defined for English Language Learners

livelihood

Definition of livelihood for English Language Learners

LIVELIHOOD Defined for Kids

livelihood

Definition of livelihood for Students

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