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

Determined to save his livelihood, the duo secretly plan a Christmas show — all the while, romances unfold between the two men and the sisters. —Erica Marrison, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025

For 52 years, it's been his livelihood through name and ownership changes since opening in the '60s. —Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025

Among Blue Diamond leadership, the closure was a clear financial choice on behalf of the nearly 3,000 almond farmers who collectively own and make their livelihoods through the cooperative. —Sacbee.com, 18 Dec. 2025

That slowing of disease progression translates into a very significant impact on a patient’s livelihood, function, independence, and ability to preserve memories. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 18 Dec. 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