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

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

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