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

The threat of more efficient, devaluing production models to the livelihoods of artisans is historically clear. —Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025

Now the pair are traveling the world, talking about how cooperation and a new system of catch shares saved their livelihoods. —Dan Morrison, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

Anjali Bhargava, the owner of Anjali’s Cup, which sells chai concentrate and turmeric blends, said the current economic climate and tariffs are threatening her livelihood. —Shawn Baldwin, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2025

Agencies such as Creative Artists Agency have warned clients that Sora poses a significant risk to their work and livelihoods. —Gerard Scimeca, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 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