livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d 

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

Priya first arrived in Yemen in 2008, joining the ranks of more than two million people from Kerala who have sought better livelihoods across the Middle East. —Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 15 July 2025

He's also highlighted the environmental damage caused by China's damming of the Mekong, and the problems it's created downstream for tens of millions who rely on the river for their livelihoods. —Michael Sullivan, NPR, 12 July 2025

Hurst said that for dryland farmers, the dry spring has already impacted their livelihoods. —Idaho Statesman, 12 July 2025

Songwriters depend on PROs for their livelihoods, especially in the streaming era. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 July 2025

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

Rhymes for livelihood

• misunderstood
• unlikelihood
• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood

Kids Definition

livelihood

noun

live·​li·​hood ˈlīv-lē-ˌhu̇d 

: living entry 2 sense 3